Jose Mourinho hits out at Tammy Abraham despite late winner for Roma as ex-Chelsea star bids for England spot
ROMA boss Jose Mourinho is keeping Tammy Abraham’s feet on the ground by taking a swipe at him despite netting a last-gasp winner.
Former Chelsea striker Abraham has been a big hit in Italy since his £34million arrival last summer.
The 24-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by the Blues and responded by bagging 17 Serie A goals last season – the highest ever single campaign league total by an Englishman.
His nine strikes also bagged his side a Europa Conference League crown.
Abraham already has two goals to his name this season, including a winner against Empoli on Monday which left Roma just a point off the Serie A summit.
The former Aston Villa loan star’s progress in the Italian top-flight has undoubtedly strengthened his claim to be a key man for England at this winter’s World Cup.
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Mourinho has been impressed by Abraham’s all-round performance but has called for him to incorporate more intelligent movement into his game.
The Roma boss told : “He has to do it – he has to drop deep when the team needs him.
“Maybe he can struggle more mentally to do it, but that is also the mission.
“I must say that scoring goals against [Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo] Vicario was difficult, he looked like the best goalkeeper in the world.”
Abraham will be hoping to see his name when England boss Gareth Southgate announces his latest squad on Thursday.
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Three Lions skipper Harry Kane remains the nation’s go-to No9 after a five-goal start to the season with Spurs.
The likes of Brentford striker Ivan Toney along with Everton’s precocious prospect Anthony Gordon are also pushing to gate-crash the World Cup party.
But Abraham already has 11 caps and three international goals to his name.
And if his hot form continues under Mourinho he looks a shoe-in for Qatar.