Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the Nigerian midfielder currently playing for Lazio, is poised for a potential shift in his playing role under the returning manager Maurizio Sarri. During the 2024/25 season, Dele-Bashiru made 20 appearances in Serie A, contributing three goals and one assist. His overall performance across all competitions saw him feature in 29 matches, netting five goals and providing three assists. However, Sarri’s recent comments suggest a possible change in Dele-Bashiru’s position on the field, potentially moving him back to a deeper midfield role rather than the more advanced “trequartista” position he has occasionally occupied.
Sarri, returning to Lazio after a previous stint, expressed his interest in exploring Dele-Bashiru’s midfield capabilities. He admitted to not having a complete understanding of Dele-Bashiru’s dribbling skills but expressed a desire to assess the player’s potential in a midfield role. The manager cited external opinions, including those of sporting directors from other clubs, who spoke highly of Dele-Bashiru’s qualities, further fueling his interest in maximizing the player’s potential. The manager’s remarks suggest a willingness to experiment with Dele-Bashiru’s positioning to determine his best fit within the team’s tactical framework.
Dele-Bashiru’s future at Lazio has been the subject of speculation, particularly during the January transfer window when several Premier League clubs expressed interest in acquiring his services. However, his initial loan move from Hatayspor in the summer of 2024 included a clause for a permanent transfer, solidifying his current position with the Italian club. Securing a consistent spot in Lazio’s starting lineup will likely hinge on Dele-Bashiru’s ability to adapt to Sarri’s tactical requirements and excel in the role assigned to him.
Sarri’s tactical approach and his interest in Dele-Bashiru’s midfield potential offer an intriguing scenario for the Nigerian international. The manager’s emphasis on understanding Dele-Bashiru’s dribbling ability and his openness to experimenting with his position highlight a commitment to finding the optimal role for the player. The positive feedback received from external sources about Dele-Bashiru’s qualities further strengthens the belief in his potential to become a key figure in Sarri’s system. This potential shift in role presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Dele-Bashiru to showcase his versatility and contribute significantly to Lazio’s success in the upcoming season.
The combination of Dele-Bashiru’s existing skills and Sarri’s tactical vision holds promise for Lazio. Dele-Bashiru’s contributions in the previous season, while playing in a more advanced role, demonstrated his goal-scoring ability and playmaking potential. Now, with the possibility of operating in a deeper midfield position, he could further develop his skills in dictating the tempo of the game, breaking up opposition attacks, and launching attacks from a more central area. This tactical adjustment could unlock new dimensions in Dele-Bashiru’s game and provide Lazio with a dynamic and versatile presence in the midfield.
The upcoming season presents a crucial juncture in Dele-Bashiru’s career. Adapting successfully to Sarri’s tactical demands could solidify his place in Lazio’s starting lineup and potentially elevate his standing in the Nigerian national team. The challenges and opportunities that lie ahead will test Dele-Bashiru’s adaptability, his ability to learn and evolve within a new system, and his capacity to perform consistently at a high level. The football world will be watching with interest to see how this promising midfielder navigates this potentially transformative phase of his career.
