GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE Q&A
Franco Ficetola supplies another question, this time regarding the defensive midfield role at Roma.
If Monchi really gets Badelj in the summer, who do you think will go through the exit door between De Rossi and Gonalons? For me, unless his performances drastically improve, it would have to be Gonalons. He hasn’t quite delivered since he’s been at Roma, certainly given he came with a decent reputation and experience. He doesn’t have the benefit of the years of loyalty and quality that De Rossi has given Roma, which can be used to justify keeping him here. Another thing: Gonalons and Badelj are the same age. I don’t think keeping two players of the same age in the same position is necessarily a good idea. It’s usually better to have one player more experienced than his competitor for the role. I do think Badelj is of the quality Roma need and could be our starting defensive midfielder if he was to be signed. De Rossi would be there as a competent, experienced backup. Finally, something I’ve always said is that De Rossi deserves the decision on whether or not he wants to retire with Roma, and so he shouldn’t be forced to leave. That’s why I think, performance depending, Gonalons would be the one shown the door. Which of the two players do you think would leave if the club signed another defensive midfielder, such as Milan Badelj?
4 Comments
Franco Ficetola
14/12/2017 03:10:33 pm
Sam, I would have said more De Rossi than Gonalons, mainly because of the age, but I have to admit your arguments made me change my mind. Once again, great analysis of the topic.
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Samuel Bannister
14/12/2017 05:44:01 pm
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Amos
14/12/2017 05:58:16 pm
Roma has two big qualities that I have noticed over the years.
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Samuel Bannister
14/12/2017 07:09:27 pm
Whilst I may have come to a different conclusion, one of the things I did consider was that we haven’t had enough time to judge Gonalons properly. As you say, he may still be settling into his surroundings. I thought his performance in the Champions League game away at Chelsea was particularly good, but his other displays have mainly been lacking. However, if he can improve before the end of the season, he will have good reason to expect to stay. That may take time, and how patient the club will be with him remains to be seen.
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SamueL BannisterEnglish Roma fan and sports journalist. Archives
February 2019
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