Euro 2020 star Schick explains what went wrong for him in Serie A
Patrik Schick is in the spotlight after a flying start for Czech Republic at Euro 2020.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward has netted three goals in two games so far, including a spectacular second goal against Scotland in his side’s opening game.
🇨🇿 The only way to react to THAT Patrik Schick goal! 🤯🤯🤯#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/wLdaBqea6v
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 14, 2021
It means he sits joint-top of the Golden Boot race with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal star Ronaldo won the Capocannoniere last season after scoring 29 top-flight goals for Juventus.
But despite his impressive form on a huge stage for his country, Schick was not quite as prolific during his own spell in Italy.
There were so many expectations around me and I was just a kid.
- Schick with Roma
Schick scored 11 league goals for Sampdoria in 2016/17 as he made his name and promptly sealed a huge club-record move to Roma worth a maximum of €42 million, having almost joined Juve.
But his first season in the Italian capital saw him score just twice in 22 league games, while his second campaign ended with three goals from 24 matches.
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Schick was promptly loaned to RB Leipzig and later left Roma permanently to join Leverkusen.
The 25-year-old has attempted to explain why he struggled to make his mark with Roma, suggesting it was a move that came too soon in his development.
“I was 20 years old when I arrived in Italy,” he told reporters, per Football Italia.
“The first season at Sampdoria was very good. Then I moved to Roma, one of the most important clubs in Italy.
“There were so many expectations around me and I was just a kid.
“Perhaps I wasn’t 100 per cent ready for that move.
“These things can happen in football. I don’t know what was wrong, but maybe I just wasn’t ready.”
Schick in the Bundesliga
The forward got himself back on track in his season with RB Leipzig, scoring 10 goals in 22 league games (15 starts) in an exciting attack that contained Timo Werner.
He joined Leverkusen on a five-year contract in 2020, with the deal worth €26.5m plus bonuses and was a first-team regular.
Schick ended the campaign with 13 goals from 36 matches (26 starts) in all competitions.
As he thrives at the Euros, Leverkusen will hope he takes another step forward next season and fulfils that undoubted potential.
Read more about: Serie A, Bundesliga, Bayer 04, Czechia, RB Leipzig, Roma, Sampdoria, Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrik Schick, Portu, Timo Werner
