Donyell Malen’s explosive form since leaving Aston Villa for AS Roma has now triggered growing calls for him to become the Netherlands’ starting striker at the 2026 World Cup.
Dutch analyst René van der Gijp believes the debate is already settled after Malen’s remarkable turnaround in Italy.
Aston Villa exit transformed Donyell Malen’s season
Malen joined Roma on loan from Aston Villa during the January transfer window after struggling to establish himself consistently under Unai Emery.
The move has proven transformational.
The Dutch forward has produced 14 goals and four assists in just 18 appearances for Roma across all competitions — numbers that dramatically surpass the return he managed in England earlier this season.
For comparison, Malen produced 10 goals and two assists across 46 appearances for Aston Villa before leaving.
Roma have already moved to make the transfer permanent by activating a reported €25m option.
Having followed Malen’s adaptation closely in Italy, the biggest difference has arguably been clarity of role. Roma have consistently used him higher up the pitch and allowed him to attack space directly rather than frequently rotating his positioning deeper or wider.
That tactical stability appears to have restored both confidence and decisiveness in front of goal.
Netherlands analyst convinced by Malen form
Speaking on Vandaag Inside, Van der Gijp made it clear he believes current form should decide the Netherlands’ attacking hierarchy for the World Cup.
“You definitely have to put Malen up front, one hundred percent. He is in form.” — René van der Gijp
The pundit argued that international managers should prioritise players performing consistently at club level rather than relying purely on reputation.
“As national coach, you have only one assignment, and that is to put the players who are in form in your team.” — René van der Gijp
Those comments come as Ronald Koeman continues evaluating his attacking options ahead of the tournament.
Memphis Depay fitness concerns increase Malen pressure
Part of the growing support for Malen stems from uncertainty surrounding Memphis Depay.
The experienced forward continues battling fitness concerns, and Van der Gijp suggested Depay’s performances suffer significantly when he is not fully sharp physically.
“If he isn’t one hundred percent fit, he starts doing the craziest and most difficult things.” — René van der Gijp
The Netherlands have also faced broader attacking uncertainty over recent months, increasing the importance of Malen’s surge at exactly the right moment.
| Donyell Malen comparison | Aston Villa | Roma |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 46 | 18 |
| Goals | 10 | 14 |
| Assists | 2 | 4 |
source: club statistics – 15 May 2026
Roma move changing perceptions around Malen
The speed of Malen’s resurgence has significantly changed external perception around the striker.
At Aston Villa, questions increasingly emerged regarding his consistency, tactical fit and long-term role within Emery’s system. In Rome, however, he has quickly become one of the team’s most decisive attacking players.
His movement, directness and finishing have made him central to Roma’s push for European qualification and strengthened his status within the Dutch national team setup simultaneously.
What’s next?
Koeman is expected to finalise his attacking structure in the coming weeks ahead of the World Cup, with Malen now strongly pushing for a starting role.
Roma, meanwhile, will hope the striker can maintain his current form into next season after committing permanently to the transfer.
For Aston Villa, Malen’s success in Italy may also reinforce questions about whether certain attacking profiles are being maximised properly inside Emery’s tactical structure.
Should Donyell Malen now start ahead of Memphis Depay for the Netherlands at the World Cup?
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