The Uzbek striker Eldor Shomurodov is experiencing significant changes in his career. While there were discussions about selling or loaning him during the previous two transfer windows, he is now seriously fighting for a place in the starting lineup of 'Roma'.
Trust in Dovbik and opportunity for Eldor
The management of 'Roma' chose Artyom Dovbik as the main striker. The Ukrainian forward was one of the top scorers in La Liga last season, and his transfer cost the club over 30 million euros. As a result, central strikers like Andrea Belotti, Temmi Abrahams, Sardor Azmun, Ola Solbakken, and Romelu Lukaku have left the team.
Besides Dovbik, Eldor Shomurodov remains the only striker in the team. There were reports that sports director Floran Gisolfi was planning to sell or loan him out. However, the Uzbek striker has managed to gain the trust of the coaching staff led by Claudio Ranieri.
Shomurodov is intensifying the competition with Dovbik
In recent matches, Eldor Shomurodov has been performing at a high level, beginning to pose a serious threat to Dovbik's guaranteed spot in the starting lineup. Italian publications and experts are also commenting on this.
Corriere dello Sport writes:
"After spending two seasons on loan at 'Spezia' and 'Cagliari', many did not believe that Eldor Shomurodov would secure a place in the 'Roma' starting lineup. However, he is now creating strong competition for the team's main striker Artyom Dovbik. The Uzbek striker is doing everything possible to gain regular playing time."
Journalist Enrico Camelio, while comparing Dovbik and Shomurodov, emphasized that the Uzbek striker has several advantages:
"In my opinion, Shomurodov controls the ball better than Dovbik. The Ukrainian striker does not always receive the ball perfectly and cannot always assist his teammates. This was evident in several matches. In fact, we expected more efficiency from Dovbik."
Additionally, Italian football legend Angelo Di Livio also highlighted that bringing Eldor Shomurodov into the starting lineup would be the right decision for 'Roma':
"If I were in Claudio Ranieri's position, I would have played the Uzbek player regularly in the starting lineup. He could bring a lot of benefit to the team."
Statistical indicators: Dovbik and Shomurodov's numbers
In terms of efficiency, Dovbik currently has the upper hand. He has played 33 matches this season, totaling 2415 minutes, with 13 goals and 4 assists.
Although Shomurodov has not yet secured a leading role, he has played 742 minutes in 23 matches, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists.
What strong aspects does Eldor's game have?
Experts highly evaluate Eldor Shomurodov's participation in team play and his technique. He collaborates well with teammates like Paulo Dybala, Matius Sule, and Tommaso Baldanzi, demonstrating activity not only in finishing attacks but also in organizing them.
He also stands out with his ability to change situations during the game, find his position in attacks, and put opposing defenders in difficult situations.
Eldor Shomurodov is seriously fighting to find his place in 'Roma'. Although Dovbik is still considered the main striker, Shomurodov's playing style and efficiency pose a serious threat to his spot in the starting lineup.
If he continues like this, he could become one of 'Roma's' main strikers. This would be a significant achievement not only for his personal career but also for Uzbek football.
Now everything is in Eldor's hands!
