Man Utd and Arsenal target told what he MUST improve to become elite

Tom Weber

• 12 Feb 2024 15:06 GMT
• 3 min read

Joshua Zirkzee has an insatiable drive to score goals, but that is not always a good thing, according to his coach.

The Dutchman has become one of Europe's most in-demand players due to his exploits in Serie A this season. The Bologna striker has netted eight goals and notched an additional four assists in league play for Thiago Motta's high-flying side, who are on course to get into Europe for the first time since they won the Intertoto Cup in 2002.

A former Bayern wonderkid, the towering centre-forward is finally living up to the potential he showed early on in his professional career and this is making him an increasingly attractive commodity. While Bayern have the opportunity to bring him back at a cut price, the current state of play is that it's unlikely for the Bavarians to make a move.

This has given hope to some of his other suitors, particularly those in the Premier League who will have money to spend in the summer. The likes of Arsenal and Man Utd are said to be keen on Zirkzee. Yet, despite his impressive form this term, the 22-year-old is not the finished product, according to his coach.

Zirkzee must improve

Bologna boss Motta spoke about his Dutch protégé after he failed to score or contribute an assist during his side's 4-0 demolition of Lecce, which took the Brazilian's surprise packages up to fifth in the standings.

"When I watch the training sessions," Motta said, "I feel how difficult it is to make choices because they all work well and have the right spirit. Zirkzee is sad when he comes off because he always wants to be out there helping his teammates."

"He is doing great things, he is a leader but has to improve the fact he gets irritated when he doesn’t score. He is a fantastic lad who always thinks about the squad."