If you want an idea of how Manchester United’s summer signing could transform the way Erik ten Hag’s side play, then look no further than the partnership he struck up with one Riccardo Orsolini.
The Italy international had built up a reputation as one of the more underrated forwards in Serie A.
But, when linking up with Joshua Zirkzee at Bologna, Orsolini went into overdrive. 21 league goals in two seasons and a return to the Azzurri picture; a winger in the form of his life blossoming thanks to Zirkzee’s renowned intelligence, vision and poise in the number nine role.
Presuming Manchester United’s £35 million striker can emulate his Bologna impact at Old Trafford, then expect Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho and particularly Marcus Rashford to be the main beneficiaries.
Zirkzee – a ‘very skilful’ footballer – is a centre-forward in the Karim Benzema mould. Unselfish, and capable of getting the very best out of those around him.
Comparisons have also been drawn with Robin van Persie, Dimitar Berbatov and Zlatan Ibrahimovic; three iconic centre-forwards beloved by the United faithful.
Joshua Zirkzee can transform Manchester United
While not the most prolific of attackers himself, Zirkzee can be devastating when dropping deep, driving forward and drawing centre-halves out of position.
Expect to see Rashford and co make the sort of darting runs in behind that Orsolini made his trademark alongside the balletic Dutchman.
And the challenge facing Bologna, now, is to ensure that life without Zirkzee is worth living. Orsolini, meanwhile, will have to get used to playing alongside a very different sort of number nine, more classic penalty-pox poachers in Santiago Castro and Thijs Dallinga hoping to take the former Bayern Munich starlet’s place.
“Zirkzee’s departure was a hard blow,” Orsolini tells 1000 Cuori Rossoblu. “In terms of quality and the way he made us play. He allowed us to make the most of the qualities of the other members of the team.
“Now, we have other characteristics. Castro and Dallinga are very different players. More (like) ‘finishers’.”
Community Shield could be Dutchman’s launchpad
Zirkzee is yet to make his first appearance in Manchester United red.
The 23-year-old was left out of the Red Devils’ pre-season tour of the USA, having returned late following his involvement in the Netherlands’ run to the semi-finals of this summer’s European Championships.
Zirkzee is now being put through his paces at Carrington, however, ahead of next weekend’s Wembley re-match with Manchester City in the Community Shield.
“I miss him a lot,” Sam Beukema, another of Zirkzee’s old Bologna team-mates, tells Tuttomercatoweb. “He is a friend of mine. I spoke to him during the holidays.
“I am happy for him that he is going to Manchester. He is an extraordinary striker. For me, the best (in Serie A) last year.”
Beukema even rates Zirkzee ahead of Dusan Vlahovic, Olivier Giroud and Victor Osimhen, feeling he has a more complete skillset than the big-name trio.
“I fought with him in every training session,” adds the ex-AZ Alkmaar defender. “Obviously, I faced strong strikers like Vlahovic, Giroud and Osimhen, but he has everything.
“The conditions are there for him to do well in a big team and I am sure he will succeed.”
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
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