GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
Roma have been busier than most in the transfer market this summer, spending more money than in any other transfer window in the club's history.
However, many of the 12 new arrivals have split opinion among fans. Will Robin Olsen be a good enough replacement for Alisson? Ante Coric looks promising, but is he too young to make an impact? There are even question marks over Javier Pastore, the club's biggest signing of the mercato (until yesterday). Can he adapt to play as a mezz'ala in Eusebio Di Francesco's 4-3-3? Amidst all these questions, yesterday Monchi provided Roma fans with an emphatic answer. He brought in Steven Nzonzi, a player of immense quality, who the fans surely can't disagree on. Fresh from winning the World Cup with France, Nzonzi has joined Roma for a fee in the region of €26m, with Monchi signing him for a second time after he initially took him to Sevilla. He has signed a four-year contract, a symbol of faith in the quality that the 29-year-old will bring. Unlike many of the summer arrivals, Nzonzi provides respite in an area of the pitch that was a huge problem last year. Daniele De Rossi fared reasonably well when deployed as the side's defensive midfielder, but at the age of 35, it became clear that fatigue was catching up with him. It was unfeasible that he could be Roma's starting defensive midfielder for 30+ games a season, and the alternative, Maxime Gonalons, had played very poorly in his first season with Roma. It was obvious that Roma needed a better solution in the mediano role. In Nzonzi, Monchi has brought in not just a suitable solution for the position, but one of the best in the world at his role. Few players in world football offer better protection in front of the defence, while Nzonzi is also very comfortable in possession. With his 1.96m frame, he is also much better in the air than De Rossi and Gonalons. It could even be said that the World Cup final changed when he came on, the momentum swinging in France's favour. Although they were already winning, they played with a much better shape and rhythm with Nzonzi in the side, allowing them to score two further goals on their way to glory. At 29, Nzonzi is in the prime of his career. The importance of this cannot be understated - most of the players Monchi has signed this summer have many years left before they reach their peak. William Bianda, Nicolo Zaniolo and Justin Kluivert are all still teenagers, while Daniel Fuzato and Coric are both 21. It's been one of the main concerns in this mercato: Monchi has provided potential for the future, but the immediate effects may not be as good. Of the dozen players the Spaniard has signed, most add depth to the squad, but not improvement to the starting lineup. Prime examples are Ivan Marcano and Davide Santon, who will clearly be rotation players. However, Nzonzi is different. He is a player that goes straight into the starting lineup, and is an instant upgrade on what Roma already have in his position. In fact, Roma could be lining up with an entirely new midfield next season. Ahead of Nzonzi, Bryan Cristante and Pastore will add creativity and attacking threat. And there is no better anchor for them than Nzonzi. He will be a reinforcer, giving the team exactly what they need. Potentially, he can be the difference between a good Roma, and a great one. He may have only won two trophies in his career, but he is a player that definitely increases Roma's chances of winning one this season. For all the debate over the impact some of Monchi's signings will have this season, there can be no question marks over Nzonzi. An experienced professional of the highest ability will come in and make Roma a force to be reckoned with again. There's no debate. Monchi got this one right.
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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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