GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
Five games into Eusebio Di Francesco’s reign as Roma head coach, one thing has become clear about his approach to his job – something in stark contrast to his predecessor Luciano Spalletti.
Whilst last season Spalletti knew his best eleven and rarely changed it, Di Francesco has favoured rotation in his team selections so far. Not once has he named an unchanged line up. Rotation has its advantages and disadvantages, but, with only one defeat this term, Di Francesco seems to have found its good side. There are some arguments that suggest changing the line up too frequently decreases the stability of a side, and therefore impacts results negatively. One area of the pitch where stability is key is in defence. It is essential that the back line understand each other’s games and are used to playing with one another. However, this season Roma have used several different centre back pairings. We have seen Manolas-Jesus, Manolas-Fazio, Moreno-Fazio, Fazio-Jesus, and even a switch to a back three in the latter stages of the game against Atletico Madrid. Yet despite all these changes, Roma have kept four clean sheets in five games. Given that the best combination at centre back is still unknown, that is a remarkable statistic, and one that can only be a positive. Perhaps it can be explained by the incredible form of Alisson in goal. The Brazilian keeper has started the season in fine form as he looks to secure his place as his country’s number one, a task he has a very good chance of achieving. Alternatively, we could suggest that the quality of opposition that Roma’s defence has come up against hasn’t always been the best. But the fact remains that the various defensive partnerships used so far have helped protect Roma’s goal. And, importantly, the players have shown they can adapt to playing with whoever they are alongside. It’s not just the defence that has been swapped and changed. Roma’s fixture against Benevento on Wednesday saw numerous line-up changes, including a long-awaited debut for Maxime Gonalons in midfield. Indeed, Di Francesco has now used all the midfielders in his squad on at least one occasion this season. All seem to have seized their opportunities; for example, Lorenzo Pellegrini claimed plaudits for his performance against Verona. This competition in the middle is essential for Roma’s progress this season. First choice players like Kevin Strootman and Daniele De Rossi will now be kept on their toes, knowing there are other players in their position also worthy of a starting berth. In turn, this will ensure those first teamers are playing at the best of their abilities, to make it harder for their coach to leave them out of his line-up – and that can only help the team. Finally, we have also seen rotation in the attacking third. Edin Dzeko has been one of just three players to have started every game for Roma this season (the others being Alisson and Aleksandar Kolarov), and has been consistent, with five goals to his name. On the wings though, several different players have had their chance to shine. Diego Perotti and Stephan El Shaarawy, as expected, have shown they will give EDF numerous headaches as they fight for the left wing spot. The choice between the two is hotly debated by Roma fans, and both are sure to see plenty of action on the pitch this season, as they seek to definitively establish themselves as first choice. The best way they can do that is to increase their end product, which will also give the team a better chance of winning. On the other side, things have been a bit more difficult. Gregoire Defrel hasn’t quite set the world alight in his time in Rome so far, but he has worked hard, and it should be stressed that he has done so in an unfamiliar position. Patrik Schick, although currently injured, is expected to be used in that role as well, and as the club’s record signing, will be expected to do well. And it has been Turkish wonderkid Cengiz Under who has started the last two games as right winger. Di Francesco certainly has plenty of options. The coach’s rotation could be pivotal to Roma’s success this season, as the team competes on three fronts. With a difficult Champions League group to navigate, the side’s biggest players will have to be in peak condition for the toughest games. Di Francesco’s variations in personnel will help this to be the case, allowing Roma to be competitive against any opponent. The coach’s man-management skills are very highly rated, and we will continue to see the reasons why over the duration of the season. Young members of the squad like Pellegrini, Under and Gerson will benefit from added gametime, and their more experienced teammates won’t be drained from playing too much. Squad rotation hasn’t always been the most successful method in football, but Di Francesco is showing that he knows how to do it well. His methods will ensure all of Roma’s players stay happy this season, and that they will consequently reach their potential with this team.
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samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
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October 2019
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