Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the Nigerian international midfielder, is determined to make a significant impact in his debut season with Lazio in the Italian Serie A. Having joined the club in the summer from Turkish side Hatayaspor, Dele-Bashiru aims to replicate, and even surpass, his goal-scoring prowess from the previous season, which ultimately caught Lazio’s attention. He recently boosted his confidence with a goal in Lazio’s resounding 5-1 victory over Monza, bringing his tally to three goals in 15 Serie A appearances and five goals in 21 games across all competitions. Driven by a desire to contribute significantly to Lazio’s success, Dele-Bashiru has set a personal target of ten goals for the season and aspires to help the team secure Champions League qualification. He sees his move to Lazio as a perfect fit for this stage of his career, recognizing the club’s rich history and high expectations as ideal motivations for his development and ambitions.
Dele-Bashiru’s playing style is characterized by his box-to-box dynamism, energy, power, and ability to both score and create goals. He views himself as a modern midfielder capable of influencing the game in multiple facets. His preferred role allows him to cover a wide range of the pitch, contributing defensively while also posing an attacking threat. This versatility has proven particularly valuable in the Europa League, where Dele-Bashiru has already netted two goals and provided two assists, helping Lazio secure top spot in their group and direct qualification for the last 16. He is steadily integrating into the demanding tactical and physical environment of Serie A, a league known for its high level of competition.
Lazio currently occupies fourth place in the Serie A standings, ten points behind the league leaders, Napoli. Dele-Bashiru believes he is part of a promising project at Lazio and is eager to contribute to the team’s pursuit of a top-four finish. He was drawn to the club not only for its prestigious history and passionate fanbase but also for the competitive nature of Serie A, which he views as a crucial step in his career progression. Having observed the league closely, Dele-Bashiru recognized the tactical acumen and physical demands inherent in Italian football, aspects that align with his own playing style and desire to constantly improve.
Both Lazio’s manager, Marco Baroni, and teammate, Mattia Zaccagni, have expressed confidence in Dele-Bashiru’s potential. Baroni acknowledges the player’s physical and technical attributes while emphasizing the need for further tactical development. He values Dele-Bashiru’s energy and freedom on the pitch, recognizing these qualities as integral to modern football. Zaccagni highlights the midfielder’s impressive engine, pace, and ubiquitous presence on the field, further underscoring his dynamic contributions to the team. Dele-Bashiru is receptive to his coach’s guidance, focusing on improving his forward movement and body positioning when receiving the ball, seeking to refine his game and maximize his impact on the pitch.
Dele-Bashiru’s football journey began at the Manchester City Academy, where he joined at the tender age of eight alongside his brother, Tom Dele-Bashiru. He considers his time at the prestigious academy as a formative experience, benefiting from the club’s excellent infrastructure and facilities. He made his professional debut for Sheffield Wednesday in 2020 and subsequently impressed during his spell at Hatayaspor in Turkey, performances that ultimately attracted the attention of Lazio. This experience at Manchester City provided him with a strong foundation, setting the stage for his professional career and current aspirations in Serie A.
Looking ahead, Dele-Bashiru is focused on maintaining his positive momentum with Lazio and contributing to their upcoming challenges, including a crucial match against league leaders Napoli. Beyond his club commitments, he also anticipates the upcoming international break in March, where he will represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria, showcasing his talents on the global stage and further solidifying his role as a key player for both club and country. He aims to continue his development, striving to meet the expectations placed upon him while contributing significantly to Lazio’s success in both domestic and European competitions.
