Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee says he has simalarities with former Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic: “Scoring goals Isn’t enough, I want to entertain people.” The Dutch international is enjoying a breakthrough season with the Rossoblu, prompting links with the likes of Bayern Munich and AC Milan in the process. Speaking with Il Corriere della Sera, the 22-year-old explained the role he plays for Bologna and why he isn’t thinking too far ahead, despite transfer rumours linking him with a number of elite European sides:
“I only think about the match against Verona, then I’ll think about the next one, and so on until the end of the season.”
Do you consider yourself a leader of Bologna?
“Yes, like all my teammates. I’m playing regularly now because I’ve changed my mentality.”
What has changed?
“When Arnautovic left in the summer, it was time to step up, take more responsibility, prove that I was ready, and seize the opportunity.”
Last year you played very little, not just because of Arnautovic’s presence.
“I wasn’t mentally ready, not as Motta wanted. Then Marko played in my position too. But it was a good lesson. However, I never look back, especially at negative situations.”
You were bought by Bologna to play as a second striker with Arnautovic, then Motta arrived and used only one striker. What is Zirkzee’s real role?
“I’m not a pure center-forward. I said a year ago that I liked playing with a strike partner. But Motta has turned me into a false 9 and a half. I’m not like Arnautovic, I like to come deep, play the ball, help the team. And score goals.”
Do you know who was a false 9 and a half?
“Who, Del Piero?”
The first one was Baggio.
“Both of them are good comparisons: they are legends.”
The coach of Torino, Ivan Juric, said: “In some movements, Zirkzee reminds me of Ibrahimovic.” Do you see yourself in him?
“It’s a great compliment. It’s not so common to see a tall center-forward (Zirkzee is 1.93 cm, Ibra 1.95) with good technique. I don’t want to sound arrogant, I thank Juric: but yes, I see myself in him.”
Physicality or technique: your best quality?
“Without a doubt, the gift is technique: it’s the way to show everyone my essence. You say I’m spectacular? Well, I’m Dutch: that’s the most accurate definition.”
You learned to play on the street, like Cruyff?
“If you play on the street, you often play against older boys. You have to find a way to protect yourself, develop more skills: you have to be faster, stronger, have better technique. You want to impress the big boys, earn their respect, show them who’s the best. And when you enter a real training center, certain things stick with you and make a difference.”
Now on the field, do you still want to impress the viewers?
“Often yes. I want people to have fun when they come to see me. But more than individually, it’s better to impress the stadium as a team, in the way we play: Bologna has done it more than once this year. I try a particular move on the field if it’s the right moment. Being creative is important.”
Would you describe your football as creative?
“It’s the best way to express yourself. Creativity in the service of the team is a lethal combination.”
Italian defenders are getting to know you: the toughest opponents?
“Acerbi, Buongiorno, Tomori: the quality is very high.”
Now in the stadiums, you are the one feared.
“It’s a sign of respect, but I don’t think they are afraid.”
You have scored 9 goals so far. What do you need to improve?
“I need to remember that I’m the only center-forward in the team and stay more inside the box.”
You are among the best strikers in Serie A: what about your future?
“No, no, I don’t think about it at all. For me, there is only the match against Verona.”
If Bologna were to make it to the Champions League, could that be a push to stay?
“I only think about Verona.”
You answered as Motta would, you know that, right?
“I’m not here to tell people that we will go to Europe or the Champions League, I don’t know.”
Motta’s lesson?
“His message is one: look forward. You do it after a good win, after a mistake or a goal, after a defeat. On the field now, my movements are different. He has given me freedom, allows me to play a tailored football. I have a certain ability, he gives me the confidence to enhance it: a great feeling.”
