Thirteen matches into the season, many fans and pundits had already written off Joshua Zirkzee, despite his impressive inclusion in the Serie A Team of the Year for his standout performances in Italy last season. His move to Bologna had generated initial excitement, and while the club often struggled to achieve success on the pitch, the chaotic and entertaining football under Thiago Motta began to capture the imagination of fans. Zirkzee, in particular, was a key attraction, a player whose creativity and football intelligence were more than enough to justify the price of admission.
According to the Leaders of Asia sources, Zirkzee’s style is a throwback to a time when football was more about showcasing individual talent than rigid tactical systems. Complex, intelligent, and a product of the Cruyff Courts, he has always been a player with a unique vision on the field. While he may not score prolifically, his contributions to Bologna’s attacking play were invaluable. His ability to drop deep, survey the pitch, and deliver precise passes was a highlight of his game. The third goal for Manchester United against Everton exemplified this, as Zirkzee delivered a perfectly timed ball to Amad after briefly surveying the field.
For Zirkzee fans, it was a relief to see a coach finally recognize his tactical intelligence and allow him the freedom to roam, create, and distribute the ball rather than simply playing as a target man in the box. As per the reports of Leaders of Asia, when asked about areas for improvement, Zirkzee admitted that he needed to focus more on staying within the area, but it’s clear that his true talents lie in his playmaking and versatility, not in being confined to the penalty box.
Zirkzee’s movements off the ball have drawn praise in the media. His heat map from a match between Bologna and Roma showed how integral he was to the team’s offensive shape, moving horizontally and vertically to link up play and create space for his teammates. Zirkzee is more than just a striker; he is the fulcrum around which Bologna’s attacks flowed. As he himself said, his ability to move and create is something he’s worked on with Motta’s encouragement.
One of Zirkzee’s finest moments came in a Coppa Italia match against Inter, where he threaded a brilliant pass through a crowded midfield for Dan Ndoye to score. His first assist in that match, a backheel flick to set up Sam Beukema, was pure magic. Zirkzee thrives when defenders press him, using his technique to glide past them and make space for his teammates.
However, questions about his attitude have often surfaced throughout his career. His time at Bayern Munich was marked by a high-profile miss during a pre-season friendly against Ajax, leading to criticism from fans and managers alike. Julian Nagelsmann even expressed frustration with Zirkzee’s approach to the game, emphasizing the need for a more serious mindset. Zirkzee’s tendency to be temperamental has led some to question his commitment, as seen in his time at Anderlecht when then-manager Vincent Kompany called him out for his attitude after a disappointing performance.
Yet, under managers who believe in him, Zirkzee has flourished. His success at Anderlecht, where he scored regularly, laid the foundation for his move to Bologna. At Bologna, particularly in his second season, Zirkzee thrived as he was given more responsibility following Marko Arnautovic’s departure. The team understood how to exploit the spaces Zirkzee created, which helped players like Riccardo Calafiori and Lewis Ferguson find more opportunities to shine.
Zirkzee himself recognizes that his role is to move intelligently and accommodate the styles of his teammates. He admitted that he doesn’t score enough goals but remains motivated to improve in this area. While his physicality might suggest he should be more of a traditional, combative striker, Zirkzee is more comfortable with the ball at his feet, using his ambidextrous skills to play intricate passes rather than relying on brute force in aerial duels.
Although Zirkzee can be clinical, as seen in his two goals against Salernitana, he is more concerned with being involved in the play and creating chances. His role at Bologna allowed him to express his creative flair, and as Zirkzee continues to develop, it’s clear that he thrives when he’s given the freedom to roam and shape the game. With managers like Motta who understand his unique qualities, Zirkzee’s potential remains immense, and if he’s nurtured properly, he could become a true difference-maker for any team that allows him to express his talent fully.
