While Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to make his mark in his first months at Manchester United, the same can be said for his successor at Bologna. Thijs Dallinga has yet to score for his new club but remains unconcerned.
Last summer marked a pivotal moment in the careers of two promising young strikers, Thijs Dallinga and Joshua Zirkzee.
Bologna made a significant investment in Dallinga, paying Toulouse 15 million euros for the Dutchman, just days after Zirkzee completed a high-profile transfer to Manchester United. Expectations were high for both players, given their impressive performances in the previous season. However, as the season unfolds, both transfers have yet to meet the lofty hopes of fans and clubs alike.
Dallinga’s move to Bologna came on the heels of a standout season in Ligue 1, where he netted 19 goals for Toulouse, earning a reputation as a clinical and reliable finisher. Similarly, Zirkzee had dazzled in Serie A, scoring 11 goals for Bologna and establishing himself as one of the league's most exciting young talents. Yet, the transition to their new clubs has proven challenging. Zirkzee managed a goal in his Premier League debut but has since struggled to find the back of the net. Meanwhile, Dallinga is still waiting for his first goal in Italian football, despite flashes of promise.
This lack of immediate impact prompted Corriere dello Sport to sit down with Dallinga during the international break. The Italian sports outlet sought to understand the difficulties both players are experiencing after such prolific campaigns last season. "We are completely different players, but maybe we’re dealing with the same issues," Dallinga told the publication. At 24 years old, he has mostly been used as a substitute rather than a starter, a frustrating turn of events for a player eager to prove his worth.
When pressed about his slow start, Dallinga offered a candid perspective. "That's football. There’s no time to adjust," he admitted. "Clubs pay a lot of money to sign you, and people expect you to start scoring goals immediately." He acknowledged the pressure that comes with a significant transfer fee but remains steadfast in his belief that he can turn things around. "I feel the club’s support and want to perform well for Bologna. If I stay optimistic, I can repay the club’s trust."
This sentiment is one that Joshua Zirkzee likely shares. The 23-year-old Dutch international was a revelation during his time at Bologna, using his size, technical ability, and finishing prowess to become a key figure in the squad. His performances earned him a dream move to Manchester United, but his transition to the Premier League has been anything but smooth. After his debut goal, Zirkzee has found opportunities limited and now spends more time on the bench than on the pitch. His once meteoric rise has hit a temporary roadblock, leaving fans and analysts wondering if he will adapt to the demands of English football.
The two players had a chance to catch up briefly in October during Bologna’s Champions League visit to Liverpool. Zirkzee, who attended the match as a spectator, shared a few words with his former teammate. "We didn’t talk much about Bologna," Dallinga recalled. "It was more about Liverpool and how difficult the match would be." For both players, the match was emblematic of the challenges they now face. Bologna struggled at Anfield, and while Dallinga appeared to score his long-awaited first goal, it was disallowed another frustrating chapter in his journey at the club.
Bologna’s Champions League campaign has been underwhelming, with the team managing only one point from four matches. Despite these setbacks, Dallinga remains optimistic about the remainder of the season. "We want to win the cup and finish as high as possible in Serie A," he said. On a personal level, his focus is clear: "I want to get back to doing what I did last season." That means scoring goals something he proved he could do in abundance at Toulouse.
The struggles of Dallinga and Zirkzee reflect the broader challenges of adapting to new environments, especially at clubs with high expectations. For Dallinga, the move to Serie A has required adjustments to a more tactical and physical style of play, while Zirkzee faces the heightened scrutiny and pace of the Premier League. Both players, however, are young and talented enough to overcome these early hurdles. Their journeys serve as reminders that even the most promising careers are not without their setbacks, and that patience and resilience are essential for long-term success.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on these two Dutch forwards. Dallinga, with his determination and support from Bologna, seems poised to break his scoring drought soon. For Zirkzee, the challenge lies in regaining his confidence and earning more minutes in a star-studded Manchester United squad. Both players have the tools to succeed; now, it’s a matter of translating potential into performance. Football is a game of moments, and for Dallinga and Zirkzee, their next moment of brilliance may be just around the corner.
