Genoa celebrated the performance of Mikael Egill Ellertsson, the Swedish defender who surprised with a long-range goal against Venezia on 15 March. Coach Daniele DeRossi praised the player's versatility, underlining how, despite not registering assists or goals in the past, he is a fundamental choice for the team. “With him you can make one less substitution, you put him on the right, on the left, at midfield, he gives great availability,” said DeRossi, adding that Ellertsson is “the most underrated of the whole squad”.
Ellertsson, known for his quiet presence on the pitch, demonstrated his ability to cover all areas of the pitch. His goal numbers are not impressive: one goal in the first eight matchdays of this season, one the year before and two the year before that. However, the goal against Venezia showed a different side of the player, highlighting his attacking potential. Despite the pride for the team that chose him four years ago, the coach expressed respect for his personal growth.
During summer negotiations with Genoa, DeRossi mentioned the possibility of bringing Ellertsson back, but the idea never materialised. The coach reiterated his trust in the player, calling him "a phenomenal boy" and praising his discipline in training. “Maybe today wasn't the best game to play but I liked playing with an extra offensive player,” he added, highlighting the importance of having a player who can contribute both in defense and attack.
Ellertsson's goal showed that, although the statistics are not great, the player can make the difference in key moments. Genoa continues to focus on a versatile and dynamic team, with DeRossi constantly looking for new opportunities to optimize the formation. With the season still underway, the focus remains on how Ellertsson and the other players will adapt to the challenges ahead, as the club looks to consolidate their position in Serie A.