El Aynaoui convinces Gasperini right away | OneFootball

In just two weeks of training and a few summer friendlies, Neil El Aynaoui has already made his mark on Roma’s pre-season.

Signed from Lens for €23 million plus bonuses, the Moroccan midfielder appears to possess the ideal qualities for Gian Piero Gasperini’s style of play.

His debut has dispelled some of the concerns that arose upon his arrival.

In the summer, El Aynaoui’s name was greeted with some skepticism, partly due to comparisons with Rios, who later joined Benfica.

However, the former Lens player quickly changed the perception around him, demonstrating he can offer Roma a type of midfielder they’ve lacked for years.

Dynamism, attacking runs, and verticality: these are the qualities that have impressed the coaching staff.

According to Corriere della Sera, El Aynaoui stands out for his ability to combine build-up play with finishing, finishing as well as setting up plays.

His approach favors vertical passes and quick solutions over more conservative lateral openings, thus ensuring greater unpredictability in the maneuver.