His experience in Rome has been dramatically different from his spell at Villa.
The 27-year-old recorded 10 goals and two assists in 46 appearances for the Premier League side. Since moving to Roma, he has already produced 21 goals and three assists across only 25 games.
His scoring frequency has risen considerably, improving from one goal every 149.8 minutes at Villa to one every 96.7 minutes in Rome.
At first glance, these numbers appear to show two contrasting versions of the same footballer. However, Malen’s success at Roma may be influenced just as much by his tactical role as by any improvement in confidence or form.
The Netherlands international arrived in Italy with an established reputation as a goalscorer, and the statistics indicate that Roma have given him a role that makes the most of his attacking qualities.
Greater confidence and stronger form may have contributed, but his positional switch seems to be one of the main reasons for his revival.
Villa frequently deployed Malen in different positions across the forward line, with just 52% of his league minutes coming as a central striker. Under Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma, 99% of his Serie A playing time has been through the centre, allowing him to lead the attack and operate in areas where he poses the greatest threat.
His performances support what the statistics show. Following Roma’s 1-1 Champions League draw against Fenerbahce last Thursday, in which Malen created his team’s goal, French football journalist Julien Laurens explained that the forward had become a key figure in Gasperini’s system.
“His performances since January have been outstanding,” Laurens said.
“He has played with remarkable efficiency and has been extremely clinical. Malen is now involved in virtually everything they create in possession.”
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