'Can play all over the pitch' - Lazio coach hails Dele-Bashiru for his versatility amid fitness concerns

Lazio head coach Marco Baroni has heaped praise on Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for his adaptability and energy, though the 23-year-old remains doubtful for the UEFA Europa League showdown against PFC Ludogorets Razgrad on Thursday evening. 

Dele-Bashiru, currently on loan from Turkish side Hatayspor, has shown glimpses of brilliance this season, including a standout performance on his debut against Venezia.  

Despite an impressive debut, the Nigerian midfielder has had limited opportunities in Serie A as he continues to adapt to life in Italy. 

However, he made a statement last weekend by scoring his first Serie A goal off the bench in Lazio's commanding 3-0 victory over Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico.

Although he has made limited appearances in Serie A, the midfielder has been pivotal in Lazio's Europa League campaign. 

In three group-stage appearances, Dele-Bashiru has scored once and provided an assist, helping the Italian side secure an impressive four wins from four games to top their group.

At a press conference ahead of the Ludogorets clash, Baroni highlighted the qualities that make Dele-Bashiru an asset to the team.

"Dele has a lot of energy," Baroni was quoted as saying by Fanta Calcio.

"He is a midfielder who can play all over the pitch. He has quality, energy, physical strength and is a player who is growing. I see him during training, he will be an important player for us."

However, the coach remained cautious about Dele-Bashiru’s fitness, revealing that the player is being monitored after picking up a minor injury.

"We have to evaluate him, he had a very small problem, today we have 2-3 players that I have to evaluate. 

"If he is well he will be in the game. I do not contemplate the thought that one of my teams could underestimate a match, it does not exist.

"We are playing in the Europa League, it is the most important match in front of our fans, we must move on from a great performance tomorrow too. We can and must do it.

"We have Zaccagni who has a contusion and needs to be evaluated, the same thing with Romagnoli. Dele-Bashiru had a small problem and we will evaluate him.”

The Super Eagles midfielder has been using his performances in Europe to showcase his abilities and will be hopeful he can recover in time to feature in Thursday’s fixture. 

Another strong display could bolster his confidence and further solidify his place in the squad.

Adeyemi Adewale

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