Roma legend and former captain Giuseppe Giannini was asked about Roma’s latest signing, Nemanja Matić of Manchester United, who will complete his move to the Italian capital on a free transfer.
“It’s clear to me that Matić was signed to bring the same kind of experience and stability in the midfield which Roma will inevitably lose with Mkhitaryan’s farewell,” Giannini told Corriere dello Sport.
“From a tactical point of view, Matić and Mkhitaryan are not alike, but from experience the new signing can offer something more.”
“Among other things, Mkhitaryan has often played in the midfield due to the absence of a physical and dominant player who knew how to manage the ball well, so with Matić Roma can have even more stability.”
“Matić is loyal to Mourinho, he’s played for him at Chelsea and Manchester United. Roma need experience and he can bring that to the team.”
“I also want to see a big signing for a playmaker. Matić cannot adapt to that role, he’s 34 and will do his job, but won’t learn new tasks. Matić is in a way the cherry on top of a midfield.”
“Tiago Pinto must find a way to sign that kind of player that makes the supporters dream big and provide Mourinho with a boost in playmaking and handling the ball, something we did not see much of this past season.”
