Italy international Nicolò Zaniolo is in the spotlight after Aston Villa’s 4-0 loss to Tottenham on Sunday, especially following his reaction in the build-up to Spurs’ third goal.
Zaniolo was introduced at minute 58 at Villa Park, but his performance was unconvincing. The Italy international was criticised by Aston Villa fans on X, formerly Twitter, especially for what he did seconds before Tottenham’s third goal, scored by Son Heung-min.
The ex-Roma winger looked frustrated when Spurs found a way through the right wing and didn’t track back and Son found the net a few seconds later.
Several Villa fans shared the video on social media highlighting Zaniolo’s poor attitude.
Aston Villa are not expected to make Zaniolo’s move permanent in the summer, so the 24-year-old will return to Galatasaray. He has already been linked with a return to Serie A in 2024-25.
I have to say, this wasn’t the best look by either Àlex Moreno or Nicolò Zaniolo to be honest 😕 #avfcpic.twitter.com/nllqZxaTBi
— Total Villa (@Total_Villa) March 11, 2024
Type of reaction a relegated teams players give, I’ve said all along that Zaniolo is a waste of space, should never have wasted money on him & how he got on yesterday ahead of rogers is beyond me, Moreno great going forward but as weak as piss aswell https://t.co/JxIhYIMrch
— James (@JBaker_24) March 11, 2024
Just watching the highlights back
This is the 3rd goal… Moreno and Zaniolo have just lost the ball
Both are more concerned with flinging their arms in the air than trying to recover anything
Not a good look#AVFC pic.twitter.com/9FdV3m5sl7
— Stef (@avfc_stef) March 10, 2024
This clip! Zaniolo in a nut shell #AVFC
pic.twitter.com/KfADa4GuQR— Aston Villa Updates (@avfcbreaking) March 11, 2024
Nicolo Zaniolo hasn't been the player we thought he was gonna be this season, he sadly for me offers nothing to the team, I never like to harshly criticise any player but that's my honest opinion on him #avfc pic.twitter.com/f2tsZkPjo9
— VILLA TILL I DIE AVFC 💜💙 (@vtid_avfc) March 11, 2024
Watch Villa’s number 22 Nicolò Zaniolo here.
Horrible reaction to Spurs playing round them. I’m sure even if he’d reacted better it wouldn’t have stopped the goal but must be frustrating to see from a Villa POVpic.twitter.com/V566XsixF2
— Dan George (@DanGeorgee) March 10, 2024