Lazio boss Marco Baroni will reportedly field Pedro as a False 9 in the club’s upcoming contest against Venezia.
Taty Castellanos Suffers a Knock
The Biancocelesti lost the services of Taty Castellanos who suffered an injury in Saturday’s big clash against Napoli which forced him out of the pitch in the first half. The club fears the Argentine could be ruled out of action for several weeks.
Pedro to Lead the Line for Lazio?
Therefore, the manager is looking to find the best solution to replace the 27-year-old ahead of a gauntlet of fixtures that begins with a trip to Venice. According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Pedro is considered the early favorite to fill in for Castellanos.
The 37-year-old has been showcasing his versatility throughout his career. While he’s originally a winger capable of taking either flank, he also featured as an attacking midfielder on several occasions this term. Hence, Baroni is reportedly tempted to test him in attack as a False Number 9.
Boulaye Dia Also in the Running
On the other hand, Boualye Dia represents the alternative solution. The Senegalese star has now recovered from a slight ankle issue suffered against Monza, and immediately made his mark by bagging the equalizer against Napoli after coming off the bench.
Selection Headaches for Lazio
In this case, Baroni would have to find a replacement for the former Salernitana star in the attacking midfielder role, which could prompt a duel between Tijjani Noslin and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The latter is also a candidate to replace the suspended Nicolo Rovella in a deeper midfield role, while Reda Belahyane is vying for the same role.
I don’t see any major cause for concern here. Of course, losing Taty for the next couple of weeks is a blow—there’s no denying that. But this squad has depth, and there are plenty of viable alternatives to step up in his absence.
Dia has already shown on multiple occasions that he can operate effectively as a false nine, linking play intelligently behind Taty. He’s also proven himself capable of leading the line, chipping in with important goals when called upon. Given the circumstances, I’d go with Dia spearheading the attack and Pedro slotting in at the number 10 role to provide creativity and control in the final third.
Let’s not forget, either, that Noslin and Dele Bashiru are both in the mix. They offer different qualities and could play a key role in ensuring the team remains fluid and dangerous going forward. It’s a test, no doubt, but there’s enough quality in this squad to navigate it.
Well said bro…👍
Baroni good manager but too scary of trying a new players still play with pedro ans marucic patrick provadal ghandozi especially ghandozi i do not know what he is good at nearly play every game but nothing no even one remembered unique pass he made couldn’t get ball back from the opponent try verona middfielder with nicola in middle will be very hard team to grt beaten but keep playing with pedro and old guys they can not do more than twenty minutes you must understand that