Donyell Malen is propelling AS Roma with a stunning goal-scoring rate at the start of the season. The Dutch centre-forward has netted five times in the opening two Serie A matches, decisively contributing to Gian Piero Gasperini's side sitting top of the table.

Roma have won both games with an aggregate score of 8-0, placing them first in the league with 6 points. This perfect start, reported by apnews.com, features Malen as the absolute protagonist. No one had scored five goals in the first two rounds since Gabriel Batistuta for Fiorentina back in 1997.

What are Malen's record numbers?

Donyell Malen has scored 19 goals in 20 games since arriving on loan from Aston Villa in January. Roma then activated a 25 million euro ($29 million) option to buy at the end of last season, making the move permanent. In Serie A history, only two players have done better in their first 20 appearances: Gunnar Nordahl in 1949 and José Altafini in the 1958-59 season, both with 20 goals.

His style is that of a pure finisher. Most of his goals come with just one or two touches before depositing the ball in the net. In the 4-0 win at Lecce on Monday, he needed only one touch for both of his goals. In the home opener against Fiorentina, a 4-0 victory, he used a backheel to set up the first of his hat-trick goals.

What does coach Gasperini say?

Gian Piero Gasperini highlighted the unique qualities of his striker. "He has this ability to control, turn and accelerate all within moments, which are extraordinary characteristics for a centre forward," said the Roma manager.

Gasperini also compared Malen to Gonzalo Higuain, a prolific scorer for Real Madrid, Napoli and Juventus. "Yes, they do have some similar attributes, though they're a bit different physically. Malen is not quite as robust." added the coach. His teams are traditionally high-scoring, as shown by the explosive seasons of Diego Milito at Genoa and Duvan Zapata, Gianluca Scamacca and Mateo Retegui at Atalanta.

How has Roma moved in the transfer market?

The capital club strengthened the squad with several signings. Midfielder Marten De Roon arrived from Atalanta, while centre-back Leonardo Balerdi joined from Marseille. Both were captains of their previous clubs. For the attack, a major investment was made: 35 million euros ($40 million) to Bologna for young forward Santiago Castro. Talented teenage midfielder Rodrigo Mora came from Porto for 25 million euros ($29 million), and from Atletico Madrid, Argentina right-back Nahuel Molina for 13 million euros ($15 million).

Paulo Dybala, who provided all three assists for Malen's hat-trick against Fiorentina, signed a contract extension in July after reducing his salary. Meanwhile, the management is working to clear the final bureaucratic hurdles to gain authorization to build the long-sought new stadium, with a key approval expected this month. Gasperini also blocked the sale of Manu Koné, who was reportedly sought by Chelsea.

What are the upcoming fixtures?

Roma, first in the standings with 6 points and a +8 goal difference, return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Their European debut will be at Fenerbahce next week. In October, the first home match in the group stage will be against Real Madrid and former manager José Mourinho.

Before thinking about Europe, the team must face Bologna away on December 6th. Bologna are currently 15th in the table. All upcoming fixtures are available on our fixtures page, while the updated standings can be checked in standings.

Malen, 27, nicknamed 'Bobby' from an Italian tribute song to Bob Marley, started all three of the Netherlands' group matches at the World Cup without scoring and was benched for the shootout loss to Morocco in the round of 32. Now, wearing the Roma shirt, he is writing a different story.