Donyell Malen
ROMArrives in top form at World Cup
Malen arrives at the 2026 World Cup as one of the Netherlands' most in-form attacking options, having earned his place in coach Ronald Koeman's squad with a stunning second half of the season that has put him firmly in contention for a starting role on the right wing.
Analysis: Malen joined Roma in the January transfer window and produced one of the most impressive half-season performances in Serie A, contributing 14 goals and two assists across 18 league appearances to finish as the second-highest scorer in the Italian top flight. The numbers are remarkable for a player who had only just arrived at a new club, and the confidence and sharpness he carries into the summer make him one of the most dangerous attacking options heading into the tournament. His direct running, clinical finishing and ability to create chances for himself in tight areas make him a genuine threat on the right flank. At international level, Malen represents one of the more exciting wildcards in manager Ronald Koeman's squad, with his blistering club form making it difficult to leave him out of the starting lineup despite the competition for wide positions. His ability to drift inside from the right flank and combine his finishing instinct with intelligent movement gives the Netherlands an unpredictable and dangerous option on that side of the attack. The Oranje will be among the favorites to go deep in a World Cup, and Malen's arrival in peak form at exactly the right moment makes him one of the more compelling attacking selections for the summer tournament.
Scores in finale
Malen scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 win versus Verona.
Analysis: Malen concluded a big second half of the season for Roma in style with a goal, which should give him and the club a boost going forward. The striker has signed a permanent deal after reportedly coming in on a loan, so he'll be a key piece of Roma's attack in Serie A and Champions League play next season.
Contained by Lazio defenders
Malen generated two shots (one on goal), nine touches and one tackle (zero won) in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Lazio.
Analysis: Malen had less volume than usual and was denied by the opposing goalie on his only clean effort. He pushed his streak of games with multiple shots to 17, with 13 goals and 67 total attempts (29 on target) during that stretch. He has hit the net three times, assisted twice and logged three chances created and two crosses in the last four rounds.
Scores brace in victory
Malen scored two goals to go with five shots (four on goal) in Sunday's 3-2 win over Parma.
Analysis: Malen gave the away side the lead through a right-footed finish in the 22nd minute before sealing the win from the penalty spot in stoppage time. He also missed a couple of chances to increase his count during yet another outstanding performance. Since arriving at Roma on loan from Aston Villa in January, the forward has exceeded every expectation, racking up 16 direct contributions in 18 appearances, and he's in superb form with six goals and two assists over the last five games.
Delivers one assist
Malen assisted once to go with four shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Monday's 4-0 victory over Fiorentina.
Analysis: Malen played a decisive creative role in Monday's 4-0 win over Fiorentina, delivering the dinked cross in the second half that Nicolo Pisilli headed home to make it 4-0, capping a strong individual performance despite twice being denied by the crossbar with deflected efforts. Malen has now scored 11 Serie A goals and registered two assists since joining in January, leading his team's scoring charts in the second half of the season and emerging as a key attacking addition from the winter transfer window.
Scores and assists against Bologna
Malen scored one goal and assisted once from three shots (one on target) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 victory versus Bologna.
Analysis: Malen put his fingerprints on the win, finding the target early with a customary clutch finish from midrange and also teeing up Neil El Aynaoui with a crafty feed from the baseline. It's his first assist since moving to Serie A. He has taken at least two shots in 16 outings in a row, totaling 62 attempts (25 on target), scoring 12 goals and logging six crosses (one accurate) over that span. Additionally, this marked his third straight fixture with at least one chance, for a total of four.
Scores goal off bench
Malen scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) in Wednesday's 4-3 win over Brighton.
Analysis: Malen came off the bench and needed barely a minute to make his mark, arriving in the six-yard box in the 78th minute to score home after Bart Verbruggen had saved Evann Guessand's close-range header. The finish, officially his first touch, gave Villa a two-goal lead at a moment when Brighton were pressing. He continued to stretch the home defense with runs between the lines and into the left channel, forcing Brighton's backline to drop deeper. Malen started only half of his last six appearances but is in excellent form, contributing 21 shots in that span, scoring five goals and providing one assist.
Five shots as striker
Malen generated five shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Coming off a brace in the Europa League, Malen started his second consecutive game as a striker in place of Ollie Watkins and was a constant threat with five shots despite not scoring. His starting spot in upcoming match is not guaranteed with only a short break before Wednesday'game.
Assists as substitute
Malen assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-1 win over Leeds United.
Analysis: Malen came on at the start of the second half and played a key role in the team's improved performance and comeback, setting up Morgan Rogers for his first goal. It marked his second straight goal involvement off the bench after scoring in his previous appearance.
Nets from late bench appearance
Malen scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 4-0 victory against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Malen came off the bench after 81 minutes Sunday to register a goal in Villa's convincing 4-0 home win. His strike came from a deflected effort off his heel inside the box. He also had another attempt blocked. From eleven appearances (three starts) this was his third goal. He also found the net from the penalty spot in Villa's last match, a Europa League tie.
Nets two in win
Malen scored two goals to go with three shots (two on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-1 win versus Burnley.
Analysis: Malen picked up his second start in seven league appearances and made the most of the opportunity by netting his first two goals of the campaign. His three shots and two on target both marked season highs. He also set a new season high with two chances created.
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