Despite, Udinese currently sitting in 17th place in the Serie A, on nine points, they have scored just ten goals but Argentinian Rodrigo de Paul has bagged five of them and is set to become the latest in the Zebrette’s production line of future stars.
The 24-year-old is in the midst of his best season in Italy, already topping his previous season record of four goals in a campaign, and it looks like he isn’t done. De Paul has more to offer the Zebrette’s offence than just scoring as he is a good passer and can create for his teammates, as seen in his three Serie A assists so far.
The former Valencia man performed well under former coach Julio Velazquez this season, despite asking for a transfer away from the Friulian side during the summer. De Paul was formerly used as a midfielder, then as a right-sided winger during his time with Udinese, but this season he has been deployed on the left to great effect.
On the left, de Paul has space to float in centrally with the ball and shoot with his right foot which has had devastating effects on many Serie A defences so far this season. Having him on that side also allows him to move in centrally to receive the ball and pass or shoot if there is not adequate service to him down the left.
There is no question that de Paul was playing his best football under Velazquez, as seen by his first ever call up to the Argentine national team this month. But the questions now are how much success can de Paul bring Udinese? Will he continue to perform under Davide Nicola? How much longer will he be there.
