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Edin Dzeko produced another masterclass to propel Roma to a commanding 4-0 win over Villarreal in their Europa League tie on Thursday night.
His superb hat-trick accompanied a fine all-round performance, in a match where he tormented the usually stubborn Villarreal backline - who currently possess the best defensive record in La Liga.
Roma certainly shot holes in that: Dzeko's heroics saw Roma become the first side to blast four goals past the Yellow Submarines at home since Barcelona did almost seven years ago in May 2010.
From the outset, Dzeko's ability both to run into space and hold up the long ball enabled him to persistently get the better of his opponents. Whether by using his inventive passing game to connect Roma's midfield and attack, providing a fantastic aerial target for his team-mates or by making the most of his instinctive movement inside the box, Villarreal just couldn't come to terms with him on the night.
His crafty variations were key to this; using clever feints to gain separation from his marker, before either dropping deep or embarking on a typically well-timed run in behind. Moreover, the way he'd intelligently start his runs on the blindside of his tracker also afforded him vital separation so he could begin his runs unimpeded.
The way Stephan El Shaarawy and Radja Nainggolan would often take up positions within close proximity to Dzeko made sure the imposing striker never became too isolated – something that has perhaps been an issue in the past. With all three men often located in true central attacking locations, this forced Villarreal's defenders to be pulled out of shape, who knew they couldn’t leave them unattended to, which in turn created vital space either side of Villarreal's defensive line.
The finishing quality Dzeko displayed in his three goals was of the highest order too, with all of his strikes illustrating his outstanding composure and eye for goal. His strength and underrated touch inside the box were also on display, as he expertly used movement and technique to unbalance his adversaries and give the space he need to find the target.
All in all, Dzeko's dynamic man of the match showing has given Roma a huge platform to move on into the Europa League round of 16. The big man unsurprisingly cut a delighted figure when speaking after the match.
“We were fantastic today," he said. "We gave nothing away at the back and put four goals past a solid Spanish outfit like Villarreal. We were excellent.”
When asked if he was surprised by the fact he's now leading both the Serie A and Europa League goalscoring charts, his reply gave an insight into how confident he's feeling at present.
“No, it's not a surprise for me because I've always scored goals – just last year was a bit different. This is where I'm at now and I want to push on and prove I can do even better," he insisted.
Even Spalletti – who has invariably used the stick as much as the carrot to motivate his striker this season – was impressed.
“His first goal today was brilliant – real thoroughbred striker stuff the way he shook off his marker,” the coach noted. “He's a great player and if he can find the right balance he'll become an exceptional player.”
Dominant, aggressive and technically brilliant, Dzeko showed us all once again why he's such a vital asset to Spalletti's Roma side.
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