Concerns over the suitability of Super Eagles no.10 Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are growing in the wake of his preseason performances.
The Manchester City academy product, who joined Lazio on a permanent deal midway through the 2024/25 campaign following an impressive start to life in Rome, has been in constant communication with boss Maurizio Sarri, who bids to turn him into the new Marek Hamsik.
While Dele-Bashiru’s fit for that role has always seemed unconvincing, the club is staring down a transfer ban, and so cannot enter the market for reinforcements. This has forced Lazio to look inward, with the 24-year-old afforded a chance to learn and prove himself.
Can Dele-Bashiru adapt to Sarri-ball?
In a recent friendly against Avellino, reports suggest that Sarri’s frustrations boiled over.
Dele-Bashiru has been tasked with leading the first wave of Lazio’s press, as well as attacking space. The Nigeria international has, however, been unable to fulfil that brief, failing to grasp the timings of required movements and demanding long balls, which are not a typical feature of the Sarri style.
It is understood that other solutions are being sought from elsewhere within the squad, with the likes of Reda Belahyane and Nicolo Rovella in the consideration.
What this means for Dele-Bashiru, however, is anybody’s guess.
