Paulo Dybala scores fourth goal in five preseason friendlies for Roma

The rebound sat up nicely on the right side of the box and Paulo Dybala didn't need a second invitation. A first-time left-footed strike, angled across goal with barely any room to work with, and the ball snuck in right next to the far post. Another goal in a preseason that's starting to look like a genuine hot streak.

The goal came in Roma's friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Germany, and it put the Trigoria side ahead. But beyond the result of what's ultimately a preparation match, the name behind it is what stands out: Dybala is showing up again right where he likes to be, close to the opposing goal, finishing with the kind of touch that's become his trademark.

Because this wasn't an isolated moment. It's the Argentine's fourth goal in just five friendly matches over the last 20 days, a run that's had the Wolves testing different lineups before Serie A kicks off for real. Four goals in five preseason games is a rate any forward would be happy to sign off on, especially one coming off a season plagued by injuries.

A goal-scoring preseason

A quick recap helps put Dybala's current form into perspective. On July 26, he scored twice in a 3-3 draw against France's Cannes, a match full of loose ball movement and shaky defending, typical for this time of year. Six days later, on August 1, he was the only Roma player to beat Cardiff's goalkeeper in a 4-1 loss, a result that took a back seat to the Joya's finish, another reminder that his scoring instincts don't take a break, not even in friendlies.

Now comes this latest goal against Dortmund, and the message is clear: Dybala is finding his rhythm. For a player who, more than anything, needs to stay healthy at Roma, stringing together matches and scoring in them is a double dose of good news. It's not just about the goal itself, it's about the consistency with which he's piling up minutes.

Serie A is still a ways off, and these numbers are, for now, just a snapshot of preseason form. But after seeing his last few seasons interrupted by injury, watching Dybala repeat his usual routine (receive, turn, finish with the left foot) match after match is reason enough for Roma to feel good about what's coming.