Former Lazio midfielder Fabio Liverani has criticized Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, describing him as a player who lacks organization.
Lazio secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Cagliari at the Sardegna Arena on Monday, maintaining their grip on fourth place in the Serie A standings.
Dele-Bashiru, who, joined Lazio on loan from Turkish club Hatayspor last summer but has struggled to adapt to the demands of Italian football was introduced in the 87th minute, replacing Mattia Zaccagni, but had little time to make an impact.
So far this season, he has managed just two goals in 14 league appearances, a statistic that highlights his inconsistency in Serie A.
Speaking to NMM via Radiosei.it, Liverani questioned the Nigerian international’s form and mental sharpness:
“Yesterday it was difficult to find great motivation. Unconsciously when you have already passed, mentally you concede something,” he said.
“Maybe the disappointment on Monday was Dele-Bashiru. I see him back a little confused, not very organized, instead he had made great stride.”
Despite his struggles in the league, Dele-Bashiru has impressed in the UEFA Europa League, scoring two goals and providing two assists in six appearances.
A Potential Return to England?
Lazio is reportedly unlikely to extend his contract after his loan spell. According to Lazio News 24, several unnamed Premier League clubs are monitoring him, potentially paving the way for a return to England.
Born in Hamburg but raised in England, Dele-Bashiru spent 11 years in Manchester City’s academy after joining at the age of eight.
Although he never made a senior appearance, he played a key role in City’s youth teams, winning the U18 Premier League Cup.
His professional career took off at Sheffield Wednesday in 2020, where he helped the club secure promotion to the Championship.
In July 2023, he moved to Hatayspor on a three-year deal and had an outstanding debut season, scoring eight goals in the Turkish Süper Lig finishing as the club’s joint-top scorer.
His crucial goal on the final day of the season secured Hatayspor’s survival.
After just one season in Turkey, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru made the jump to Serie A with Lazio.
While his club form has been inconsistent, his time in Rome also marked his international breakthrough.
He has earned five caps for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, making an impact with two crucial goalsone in a World Cup qualifier against South Africa and another in an AFCON qualifier against Libya.
