Former Serie A striker Alessandro Matri has drawn a striking comparison between AS Roma's in-form forward Donyell Malen and Argentine great Carlos Tevez. Speaking on the broadcast platform DAZN, Matri suggested the Dutch international's aggressive style and clinical instincts bear a resemblance to the former Juventus and Manchester City star. The comments come as Malen continues an impressive run of form since joining Roma in the January transfer window.
Matri specifically highlighted Malen's "cattiveria"—a term denoting a combative, almost spiteful on-field aggression—and his clear intention when receiving the ball. "He already knows what to do when the ball comes to him, even the first touch is towards the goal because he sees the space," Matri said, according to the report from Forzaroma.info. While acknowledging Tevez as a "total player" who stands above Malen, Matri insisted the resemblance lies in "the nastiness, the movements, the desire to score, and also the assists."
The praise follows a highly productive period for the 25-year-old Malen, who has now scored 11 Serie A goals since his arrival at the Stadio Olimpico at the start of the year. His impactful performances have been a key factor in Roma's push for a Champions League qualification spot under manager Daniele De Rossi. The club secured Malen's services from Borussia Dortmund, though the exact financial terms of the deal were not disclosed by either club at the time.
Malen's career trajectory saw him rise at PSV Eindhoven before a move to the Bundesliga, where he occasionally showcased his pace and finishing ability but struggled for consistent dominance. His immediate impact in Italy, however, suggests the Serie A environment and Roma's tactical setup have unlocked a new level of confidence and end product. The comparison to Tevez, renowned for his powerful, relentless playing style and success in both England and Italy, underscores the significant impression Malen has made in a short time.
For Roma, securing a player of Malen's current form and potential represents a significant coup, addressing a long-standing need for a prolific and dynamic threat alongside Romelu Lukaku. His adaptation has been swift, and his understanding with the team's creative forces appears to be growing with each match. As the season enters its final decisive weeks, Malen's form will be crucial for Roma's ambitions, with his Tevez-like attributes offering a potent weapon in their attacking arsenal.
