Tawanda Maswanhise has heaped praise on Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca for helping shape his career.
Maresca, who coached Maswanhise at Leicester City, handed the Warriors striker his first senior appearance, setting the stage for his rise in European football.
Now in his second season with Scottish Premiership side Motherwell, Maswanhise has been in red-hot form, earning the league’s Player of the Month award for November.
Maswanhise also acknowledged former Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, saying the experience of working under both coaches was invaluable.
“Having the experience to work under them was really good,” said the striker. “I’d like to say I’ve learned quite a lot, adapting to two high-level managers.
“When I was with Brendan, it was more about getting used to the environment. Enzo needed a platform – he was really good tactically.”
This season, Maswanhise has netted 12 goals in all competitions, leading the Scottish Premiership scoring charts with eight strikes.
On the day his Motherwell signing was confirmed, he came off the bench to register the first of his 23 goal contributions for the club with an assist in a League Cup victory over Kilmarnock.
“It was time for a bit of a new environment, a new lifestyle for me up here in Scotland, and I feel like I’ve settled in really well,” Maswanhise says when recalling his move north.
“And I think it was time to go and get some minutes and first-team football. I got it here and I’m still doing really well. It’s been a good experience.”
His debut set the tone for an explosive start to his Fir Park career, but he has since hit new heights this season.
Playing in a more central role, Askou’s attack is being spearheaded by the speedy forward, who has become a far more clinical finisher this campaign.
His goal conversion rate of 27% from 30 shots makes for good reading, as does his minutes-per-goal average of 160.
Maintaining that for the season would ensure an impressive tally come the end of the campaign.
