Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso, after a couple weeks of intense training, has officially figured out what Adrian Przyborek brings to the squad. But let’s be real, what he’s planning for the 19-year-old isn’t what anyone expected, and it immediately spotlights a huge hole the Biancocelesti still have to fill.
Gattuso Squashes Attacking Midfielder Hopes for Przyborek
Remember when everyone was buzzing about Przyborek stepping into that attacking midfielder spot for Lazio? The kid joined Maurizio Sarri’s first team in January, a €4.5 million transfer from Pogon Szczecin, and made his senior debut on the final day of last season. With Gattuso switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation, it seemed like a natural fit for the young Pole to play behind the striker. Nope. According to Il Messaggero, that’s not happening. Gattuso sees Przyborek as a ‘Mezz’ala,’ which is an outside midfielder in a three-man midfield. Talk about a curveball! He’s a talent, sure, but his prime role isn’t the one many thought he’d have.
Where Does Przyborek Actually Fit In This Jigsaw?
So, if Przyborek isn’t the attacking midfielder, where exactly does he slot in for Gattuso? This is where it gets tricky. Gattuso’s 4-2-3-1 setup uses a double pivot positioned behind an attacking midfielder. If Przyborek isn’t that advanced guy, and he’s more of an outside midfielder, it leaves his place in the starting XI totally up in the air. He could be a backup to Kenneth Taylor in the box-to-box role, but even then, Nicolo Rovella and Danilo Cataldi are already battling it out for the Regista position. Przyborek is supposed to be set for a more prominent role this season, but if his position is still this much of a debate, that’s a problem for Gattuso.
The Search For That Missing Link Continues
This whole Przyborek revelation just hammers home how much Lazio still needs a true attacking midfielder. They missed out on Jonathan Asp Jensen, which stings. Now, the Biancocelesti are reportedly tracking unsettled Fiorentina duo Giovanni Fabbian and Marco Brescianini. Look, Boulaye Dia had “mild success” playing behind Taty Castellanos in the 2024/25 season, so he’s an option. But with the season just getting started, Lazio needs to lock down that attacking midfield role if they want Gattuso’s new formation to really hum. It’s time to find that guy, or this team could be in for a rough ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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