Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s emergence as a key contributor for Lazio underscores the team’s remarkable attacking depth in the 2024/25 season. His goal against Atalanta, while not enough to secure a victory, marked his fourth across all competitions and solidified his position as the sixth Lazio player to breach the three-goal threshold. This achievement highlights a remarkable statistic: Lazio leads Serie A in the number of players with three or more goals, a testament to their potent and well-distributed attacking prowess. Dele-Bashiru’s contribution further cements this, demonstrating that their scoring ability isn’t confined to a select few stars but is a team-wide phenomenon.
This attacking depth places Lazio in elite company within Europe’s top five leagues. Only Arsenal and Manchester United boast more players with four or more goals this season, showcasing the Italian club’s impressive offensive firepower. This achievement is particularly notable given the competitive nature of Serie A and the presence of other attacking powerhouses in the league. Lazio’s ability to spread the scoring burden across multiple players makes them a formidable opponent and a constant threat to opposing defenses. This distributed scoring approach also makes them less reliant on any single individual, mitigating the impact of potential injuries or dips in form.
Dele-Bashiru’s journey to Lazio adds another layer of intrigue to his burgeoning success story. He arrived in Rome on a season-long loan from Hatayspor, a Turkish club where he showcased his attacking potential with an impressive nine goals and six assists in the previous season. This loan deal, which includes an obligation to buy based on performance, speaks volumes about Lazio’s belief in the young midfielder’s abilities. His performances so far, despite not being a consistent starter, have justified their faith, and he looks increasingly likely to become a permanent fixture at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Nigerian midfielder’s transition from the Manchester City academy to becoming a key figure in a top European league is a testament to his talent and perseverance. While he didn’t break through at Manchester City, his time there undoubtedly honed his skills and prepared him for the challenges of professional football. His impressive performances in the Turkish Super Lig served as a springboard to a bigger stage, and he now finds himself contributing significantly to a team vying for honors in both Serie A and the Europa League. This journey showcases his adaptability and determination to make his mark on the European football scene.
Dele-Bashiru’s versatility as a midfielder further enhances his value to Lazio. He’s demonstrated an ability to both create and score goals, making him a potent dual-threat player. His two goals and two assists in just four Europa League appearances underscore his impact on the continental stage, while his two Serie A goals, despite limited starts, highlight his efficiency. This versatility adds a crucial dynamic to Lazio’s midfield, providing them with options in both attack and build-up play. His ability to find the back of the net himself, while also setting up his teammates, makes him a prized asset for any manager.
Lazio’s multi-pronged attacking approach, fueled by players like Dele-Bashiru, positions them as a genuine force to be reckoned with in Italian and European football. Their ability to share the scoring responsibility across multiple players makes them unpredictable and difficult to defend against. This tactical advantage, coupled with individual brilliance from players like Dele-Bashiru, could be the key to a successful season for the Roman club, offering hope for silverware and a return to the Champions League. As the season progresses, their ability to maintain this impressive level of attacking depth will likely determine their ultimate success.
