Lazio return from the international break with Taylor rested, re-focused and increasingly central to Gennaro Gattuso’s plans. The Dutch midfielder had only 23 minutes for the Netherlands against Serbia, following a place in the stands for Germany and unused substitute appearances against Greece and in the return meeting with Serbia. Monza now await, with Gattuso expecting Taylor to turn his growing influence into goals as well as energy.
Taylor’s changing role at Lazio
Under Gattuso, Taylor has been asked to become more than a runner in midfield. Lazio are using a double pivot in possession, with the Dutchman expected to connect the phases of play and take responsibility when the side move forward.
“He wants me to help direct the build-up,” Taylor said while away with the national team. “We play with two holding midfielders, and he expects me to be the main link in attacking situations too.”
The coach’s demands cover both sides of the ball: pressing high, competing in individual duels, arriving into attacking areas and maintaining intensity without possession. Taylor has embraced that workload.
“In Italy, the game is played with great tactical maturity and I have improved a lot in that respect,” he said. “With Gattuso, we base our game on possession and high pressing. We look for plenty of one-versus-one situations, and he wants us to be ruthless because duels are crucial. Do we run a lot? Yes, and I like that.”
Gattuso sees Taylor and Davide Frattesi as midfielders capable of altering individual matches and, over time, Lazio’s season. Both are expected to cover ground, recover possession, create and finish moves. Taylor has also become Zaccagni’s deputy from the penalty spot.
From uncertainty to responsibility
-
In June, Taylor’s future appeared less certain amid the club’s difficulties and the departure of key players. The prospect of a reduced Lazio project created understandable doubts for the midfielder.
-
Gattuso’s arrival initially brought a difficult moment. During a match in late July, the coach felt Taylor’s mind was elsewhere and sent him back to the dressing room.
-
That episode became a turning point. Taylor responded by raising his standards in training and matches, accepting the responsibility placed on him by the new manager.
-
The arrival of Frattesi and Lazio’s August business helped restore his motivation. Gattuso has since built his midfield plans with Taylor firmly included.
-
After the break with the Netherlands, Taylor has returned fresh for the meeting with Monza, ready to resume a campaign in which his contribution is becoming increasingly important.
“I now cover much more distance, especially at high intensity,” Taylor said. He also believes the new approach is helping Lazio create more chances, a development that explains why Gattuso is waiting for greater end product from him.
Settling in, and the January question
Taylor has adapted quickly to life in Italy and has begun weekly private Italian lessons as he looks to grow into a young leader within the squad. He has not regretted leaving the Netherlands.
“Moving away from the Netherlands and into a new environment has been good for me,” he said. “It has helped me continue developing both as a person and as a footballer.”
His contract runs until 2030 and includes a salary rise for every year he remains at Lazio. Yet the length of the agreement alone may not settle the matter. If Lazio face financial pressure, whether through a zero-balance requirement or a full restriction on their business, Premier League clubs could look at him in January.
For now, however, the more immediate task is on the pitch. Gattuso has found a midfielder willing to press, build, compete and run; Lazio need the ambitious version of the club around him if Taylor’s progress is to become a longer chapter rather than a brief one.
