'I can attack and defend well' - Lazio ace Dele-Bashiru reveals his preferred role on the pitch

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has opened up about his preferred position and playing style as he looks to make his mark in Serie A, ahead of Monday's clash against Parma.

Dele-Bashiru, who arrived at Lazio during the summer transfer window, has endured a challenging debut season in Italy, registering just three goals and one assist in 19 league appearances.

Despite his struggles on the pitch, the Nigerian international remains confident in his abilities and is eager to contribute more meaningfully to the team.

In an interview with Sports Boom, Dele-Bashiru revealed his favoured role and gave insight into his key attributes as a player.

"My preferred role would be as a box-to-box midfielder, in the number 8 or 10 positions,” he said.

"Driving of the ball, running off the ball, I can attack well, and defend well also. All around, I’m what you describe as a box-to-box midfielder."

The 24-year-old, who was an unused substitute in Lazio’s recent win over Genoa, highlighted his physicality, movement, and tactical awareness as strengths that can benefit the team when fully fit and settled.

“And as long as I’m 100 percent fit and I’ve gotten everything understood tactically, we definitely would have a very good season together,” he added.

The Nigerian midfielder boasts a dynamic blend of power, timing, and intelligence — qualities he believes are crucial to his effectiveness at Lazio.

Dele-Bashiru is now pushing for a return to the starting lineup against Parma, determined to prove himself after missing the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March due to injury.

The Manchester City youth product will be aiming to rediscover his form and consistency, with hopes of earning a recall to the Nigerian national team ahead of the Unity Cup tournament in London and the continuation of the World Cup qualification campaign.

Adeyemi Adewale

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