One of Joshua Zirkzee’s former Bologna teammates has been paying tribute to the new Manchester United signing.
Serie A may no longer be the first-choice destination for the world’s greatest number nines – unlike the 1990s – but Italy’s top flight is still home to plenty of elite-level frontmen.
Yet, according to a former Bologna team-mate who watched his development with a keen eye, Manchester United’s first summer signing still stood out head and shoulders above the rest.
Joshua Zirkzee may not have scored as many goals as Olivier Giroud, Dusan Vlahovic or the briefly-United linked Victor Osimhen, and he finished 13 short of Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez in the Golden Boot race.
But, as far as Sam Beukema is concerned, there was no one in Italy who could do what the ‘very skilful’ Zirkzee does; a finisher, a playmaker, a dribbler, a targetman and a creator all rolled into one elegant 6ft 4ins frame.
Joshua Zirkzee arrives at Manchester United
“I miss him a lot,” Beukema sighs, via 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.
“I fought with him in every training session. 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.”
A long-time target finally secured to the tune of £36 million, Zirkzee became the first new face through the door at Old Trafford since Sir Jim Ratcliffe seized control of all sporting operations.
The rangy Dutchman – who would soon be joined by Leny Yoro – arrives after winning Serie A’s Young Player of the Year and after firing Bologna into the Champions League for the very first time.
The task now falls on compatriot Thijs Dallingha, snapped up after a fine spell at Toulouse, to emulate Zirkzee’s impact at the Rossoblu.
The prolific Dallinga has scored 73 goals in the last three seasons combined.
“As for Thijs, I did not know him personally but, as a player, yes, I saw some highlights,” former AZ Alkmaar defender Beukema adds.
“I have already spoken to him a lot. He is a good guy, talented and wants to give his best. He is different from Joshua but, seeing the data he has, I am convinced that he will do well in Bologna and will be important for us.”
Dutchman will be missed at Bologna
Zirkzee, meanwhile, will have to wait to make his mark in the red of Manchester United.
He is currently on holiday after the Netherlands reached the semi-finals of this summer’s European Championship and is therefore not in Erik ten Hag’s squad for Man United’s pre-season tour of the USA.
“He is a player who can link up the game,” Ten Hag said after Zirkzee’s arrival was finally confirmed earlier in July, via the Man United website.
“(Zirkzee) can be available, hold up the ball, have good ideas, be creative, can dribble, combinations…
“So that’s a different type and always what we are looking for. It gives us more options tactically, which is good because, especially up front, we have many players who can play very direct and they can take a big benefit from his skills.”
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
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