The headline from Tuttosport reads the following:
"Zirkzee, the Non-Scoring Artist Who Shines vs Inter"
There is a lot of talk about how Joshua Zirkzee managed to dash Inter's hopes of advancing in the Coppa Italia. The Dutchman accomplished a complicated feat, if not nearly impossible: seizing the spotlight and front pages of newspapers without scoring.
Because scoring goals isn't the only way to make a difference, and in this specific category, Zirkzee is a true artist. He makes his teammates score, often in a non-trivial manner. Take Beukema's goal, the equaliser: the back-heel strike itself is a technically challenging move, showcasing skills above the average.
What is impressive, however, is the thought behind it, the fact that he even considered that type of play. It was intentional, as the Dutchman first assesses his teammate's position and then surgically aims for the assist: in that action, Zirkzee demonstrates the qualities of a champion more than just a great striker. Especially because, at 22 years old, the former Bayern Munich player picked up by Bologna amidst general indifference (Giovanni Sartori's talent in scouting is widely known in football circles, but it's worth remembering occasionally), can only improve. When he also becomes a sniper in front of the goal, a striker netting 20 goals per season, then he can aim to be a top European player. For now, he has caught everyone's attention, especially Juventus, who sees him as the ideal complement to their attack. It's a discussion for the summer, of course: Bologna won't part ways with their best player in January. And it's still a complex discussion; let's delve into why.
As mentioned above, Bologna acquired him a year and a half ago from Bayern Munich for 8.5 million euros, without algorithms or strange data: simply by watching the player on the field, as it used to be done. Now he's worth at least five times that amount, perhaps even more than the 40 million euros stipulated by the buyout clause.
The agreement with Bayern includes a percentage (50%) of any future capital gain in case of a sale: Bayern would have a kind of priority on the attacker, but at the moment, they don't seem interested in banking on Zirkzee for the future.
Zirkzee, is very much liked by Juventus, but is also followed in by AC Milan.
READ MORE | Pioli’s Milan continue on the quest for consistency despite the several and long injuries
