Lazio boss Marco Baroni gives verdict on Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s debut in 3-1 win over Venezia

Lazio Coach Marco Baroni has praised Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru following his impressive performance in their Serie A opener against Venezia on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Dele-Bashiru completed his transfer from Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor to Serie A side Lazio this summer. Le Aquile signed the Super Eagles star on a season-long loan deal with a compulsory buy clause inserted.

Upon his arrival, Dele-Bashiru made three appearances for Lazio in pre-season, and he got his first competitive start for the club in their opening Serie A game against Venezia at the Stadio Olimpico.

The 23-year-old midfielder registered had a 96 percent pass accuracy on 45 passes, he had two successful dribbles, two goal attempts, and won four of his eight duels.

Following Dele-Bashiru's performance, Lazio boss Marco Baroni expressed satisfaction with what he saw from the Nigerian on his Serie A debut.

“He (Dele-Bashiru) is a boy with great potential, it is useless to say that we have changed, young players must be made to make mistakes, they must be put on the pitch, he has shown that he has quality and physicality,” Baroni told Sosfanta.

“He still has to work a lot to understand our football but today (against Venezia) he gave a good performance.

“I am happy with him and the whole team, there was the spirit that I asked for. Dele-Bashiru has great potential, he is a boy who must understand our football and play, train hard and play.”

Despite the plaudits, Baroni still iterated that Dele-Bashiru has to improve on some areas of his game.

“We will give him (Dele-Bashiru) the chance to play, we have many good midfielders who are growing. The player must improve his posture because he often has a closed posture that forces him to play behind,” Baroni added.

“When he opens his shoulder and turns he is devastating, he has a physicality that cannot be held back.

“He must become a ball recoverer but it is not easy. I saw where he played, it is a complete upheaval and his participation is extraordinary. I forced his presence today from the first minute to reward this participation”.

Next up for Lazio is a Serie A fixture at Udinese, and Dele-Bashiru will be looking to produce another top showing and probably nick his first goal for his new employers.