Malen's Dutch Critics Are Excessive: The Key Comparison Is with Mbappé
Analysis·11 June 2026·2d ago

Malen's Dutch Critics Are Excessive: The Key Comparison Is with Mbappé

Source: Forza Roma

Donyell Malen has faced criticism from the Netherlands following two friendly matches in the World Cup buildup, with concerns raised about whether his strong end-of-season form at Roma was genuine. Dutch figures including Huntelaar and Van Nistelrooy have offered advice, while some have questioned the quality of Italian football. However, the article argues these concerns are overblown by drawing a parallel to Kylian Mbappé, who similarly failed to score in France's two pre-tournament friendlies despite being the tournament favorites' star striker.

The piece contends that Mbappé's situation proves that poor friendly performances should not trigger alarm. France's manager Deschamps reportedly joked that Mbappé was conserving his goals for the actual World Cup, and French media remained unconcerned. By this logic, the Netherlands should have equal confidence in Malen, who impressed Roma fans late in the domestic season and has delivered in crucial matches, including Champions League competition. Coach Koeman is described as having already anticipated Malen as the ideal forward for World Cup ambitions.

The article suggests that if Koeman hopes to achieve something significant at the tournament, he must place his faith in Malen—described as Roma's "man of destiny." The broader point emphasizes that World Cup preparation friendlies often provide limited statistical value, serving mainly to build match fitness before competition begins in earnest.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

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Una statistica accomuna i due bomber in questo pre Mondiale. Koeman, quindi, non ha niente di cui preoccuparsi Redazione 11 giugno - 18:13 Malen, non solo gol. A Trastevere deve anche spingere l'apetta Malen si aspettava un inizio diverso. Il finale di stagione a Roma aveva incantato tutti, Olanda compresa. La nazionale e, soprattutto, Koeman si stavano già sfregando le mani al pensiero di avere l'attaccante perfetto per affrontare questi Mondiali. E, in fondo, è ancora così. Nella sua patria, però, si è iniziata a paventare l'idea che le qualità mostrate da Malen in Italia siano state una mera illusione. Due amichevoli sono bastate a spegnere l'entusiasmo attorno al bomber giallorosso. Due test insulsi ai fini statistici, serviti solo a mettere minuti nelle gambe e a entrare nel clima del Mondiale. In questi giorni se ne sono sentite tante. Dai consigli di bomber come Huntelaar e Van Nistelrooy alle critiche rivolte al campionato italiano. Ma c'è un altro giocatore, anche più forte dello stesso Malen, che può smentire ogni preoccupazione. E il suo nome è Kylian Mbappé. L'Olanda può stare serenaIl francese è la punta di diamante di Deschamps. Lo dicono i numeri, lo dice l'appeal. Lo dice la storia. È l'uomo su cui poggiano le ambizioni di riportare una Coppa del Mondo in Francia. I tre gol segnati nella finale in Qatar riecheggiano ancora nell'aria. Eppure, in questo pre-Mondiale, ha deluso le attese: nessun gol nei due test prima di iniziare a fare sul serio. A brillare è stato Olise. Lui no. Ma in Francia non ne hanno fatto un dramma. Lo stesso Deschamps ha scherzato, raccontando che l'attaccante del Real gli avrebbe confidato di star conservando i gol per il Mondiale. E se in Francia non c'è preoccupazione, l'Olanda non deve essere da meno. Malen sa colpire nelle occasioni che contano. È stato lui l'uomo della Champions, l'uomo del destino. Il Mondiale non è ancora iniziato. Ma se Koeman vorrà ambire a qualcosa di grande, dovrà riporre le sue speranze in lui: l'uomo del destino giallorosso. E forse, se lasciato giocare, anche quello dell'Olanda. © RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA Commenta Continua la lettura Calciomercato AS Roma Mondiale vetrina di acquisti: oggi tocca a Reyes, ma la lista è lunga Calciomercato AS Roma Mercato Roma, dall'Inghilterra: c'è la fila per Alajbegovic, cresce la concorrenza News AS Roma Ritiro Roma, da Trigoria al Galles: le date e le amichevoli dell'estate giallorossa News AS Roma Dentro al Vale Resort di Hensol: ecco la sede del ritiro della Roma in Galles Commenti Invia Commento Tutti Leggi altri commenti

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