Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has hailed Paulo Dybala as one of the most significant signings in Roma history. In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, the former German icon offered his view of the new-look Giallorossi squad and had a piece of advice for out-of-form Tammy Abraham.
It struck many as a major surprise when Roma won the keenly-contested race for Dybala last summer. Several top European clubs from Italy and abroad harbored a genuine interest in the Argentina international. The 28-year-old decided to cut short his illustrious seven-year stint at Juventus and embark on a new adventure elsewhere, with Mourinho acting swift to take him to the Stadio Olimpico.
Since it’s been a while since Roma last captured the services of a player of Dybala’s caliber, the Olimpico faithful rushed to the streets to welcome their new talisman. The affection the Giallorossi supporters showed to the Argentine during his presentation in Rome spoke highly of their excitement about La Joya’s potential impact on Mourinho’s team.
Dybala has wasted no time showing Roma why he could be a game-changer they lacked since the days of Francesco Totti. Despite minor injury setbacks, the left-footed star has been Mourinho’s standout performer early in the season. He’s quickly established himself as Roma’s driving attacking force, tallying four goals and two assists across seven Serie A appearances.
Voller explained the importance of Dybala’s arrival at Roma, insisting he is the player club fans have been waiting for over a decade.
“He’s one of the most important signings in Roma’s history. The fans were waiting for a big hit and he arrived. Magnificent. And he is fulfilling expectations. I hope he can continue like this and not have any physical problems,” Voller said as relayed via PagineRomaniste.
“The ones that pushed Juventus to let him go. If Paulo is physically well, he can be devastating with that exceptional left foot.“
Voller, a prolific marksman himself back in the 1990s, urged underperforming Roma striker Abraham to show more belief in himself amid a rough patch. The former Chelsea man has experienced an underwhelming start to the season. But the 1990 World Cup winner is adamant the goals will come for the 25-year-old.
“He must believe in himself. Never stop having faith in his abilities because these moments happen to all strikers, even the strongest ones. Then comes the match when you score a hat-trick and everything changes, especially in your head.
“The important thing is to always remain focused on the tasks and duties, even if he doesn’t score, Abraham must continue to work for the team, give everything on the pitch.“
Dybala should be in the starting line-up when Roma take on Lecce at the Olimpico on Sunday evening.