Star player to watch – Musa Barrow

SuperSport viewers on DStv can look forward to seeing Gambian Musa Barrow looking to build on his recent exploits in Serie A for Bologna.

The 21-year-old winger is a newcomer for the Rossoblu, having been signed on loan (with an obligation for a permanent move at the end of the season) from Atalanta during the recent January transfer window.

And Barrow has made a flying start to life at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium, scoring three goals in his first four appearances for the club. He most notably made headlines this past weekend, scoring a brace of goals as Bologna claimed a shock 3-2 win away to Roma on Friday night.

The result saw the club rise to seventh place on the Serie A log and they appear to be genuine contenders to secure a place in the UEFA Europa League next season.

The Rossoblu have taken inspiration from manager Sinisa Mihajlovic, who is battling Leukaemia but continues to influence the team in his insistence on a progressive approach: “I think the difference was made when we decided to play in an open and attacking way,” said assistant manager Emilio De Leo.

Bologna’s Musa Barrow jubilates after scoringa goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between S.P.A.L and Bologna FC at Paolo Mazza stadium in Ferrara, Italy, 25 January 2020. EPA/ELISABETTA BARACCHI

“This is the cultural shift we’ve been trying to enact here, the belief we can play based on our qualities even at the Olimpico against Roma, and it’s paying dividends. We have a mix of young players, but also experienced ones who help the others. The exuberance of the younger players also gives an important contribution, so we’ve got the balance right.”

Barrow’s pace and energy had certainly brought a new dimension to Bologna’s attacking play, though the Gambian international was also quick to thank his parent team Atalanta for helping him develop as a player.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Atalanta, who helped me grow as a man all the way from the youth team to the first team squad,” he wrote on Instagram. “I am really happy to have spent fantastic moments with my teammates, having played with them and getting to know them.

SuperSport viewers on DStv can next see Barrow in action this coming Saturday when Bologna host Genoa at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium for a Round 24 Serie A clash.

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