Roma have just one match left this weekend against Sassuolo until they’ve officially reached the halfway point of their campaign. The first four months under Eusebio Di Francesco have been filled with many highs, such as finishing first in the Champion’s League group, and a few lows, such as the Giallorossi’s recent form and their defeat against Juve. However, there is still plenty to play for in the last half of Roma’s campaign: Shakhtar Donetsk await Di Francesco’s men in the knockout stages in the Champion’s League while there is still a very tight battle at the top of the Serie A table.
In the meantime, let’s take stock of how Roma’s players have performed up to this point and highlight some of the Giallorossi’s most crucial pieces.
Only players who have made at least 5 appearances have been included.
GOALKEEPER
Alisson (GK) – 9
Alisson hasn’t put a foot wrong this season after many feared Roma would have a severe drop-off between the posts after the departure of Wojciech Szczeny. The Brazilian, however, is proving why he deserves to be Brazil’s number one this summer at the World Cup as he has led the best defence in Serie A.
DEFENCE
Alessandro Florenzi (RB) – 7
Florenzi has returned quite well after his devastating knee injury from last season. His performances certainly leave plenty to be desired, though. Many, myself included, believe that Florenzi’s best role is either in the midfield or attack, which would explain his roller-coaster performances this season.
Bruno Peres (RB) – 4.5
The former Torino man seems like a lost cause. His inability to create anything going forward or defend with purpose has seen him relegated to the bench and linked with a potential January move away from the club.
Kostas Manolas (CB) – 6.5
Not great, but not bad. Manolas is still way off of his form that was seen in 2014-2015, however, he hasn’t been nearly as poor as he was last season.
Federico Fazio (CB) – 8.5
Fazio has been, by far, the Giallorossi’s most imposing and important defender. He’s been sensational with his positioning and movements while his passing has been sublime.
Hector Moreno (CB) – 5.5
Many expected the Mexican national team captain to have a larger role in the team; however, he still has yet to be given a chance. In the opportunities he has been given, though, he’s done well.
Juan Jesus (CB) – 6
Juan Jesus is proving, again, to be a worthy second-choice defender. When called upon, he’s been able to provide solidity at the back; however, he still does have his occasional blunder.
Aleksandar Kolarov (LB) – 8.5
Arguably the purchase of the summer in Serie A, Kolarov has barely put a foot wrong so far at Roma and has provided tactical superiority and an incredible footballing IQ on the left.
MIDFIELD
Radja Nainggolan (MF) – 7
It’s clear that Eusebio Di Francesco’s tactics aren’t exactly a perfect fit for the Belgian. However, the ex-Cagliari man is still one of the Giallorossi’s most important players and is still a world class talent.
Kevin Strootman (MF) – 5
The drop-off in quality from the Dutchman has been alarming. Strootman appears to be half of the player he was in his first season at Roma in 2013-2014. He’s slow and not nearly as imposing as he once was, which is a huge concern.
Daniele De Rossi (MF) – 5.5
The captain’s inconsistency in his performances has continued for what seems to be the seventh or eighth straight season. De Rossi will play a brilliant pass or make a superb tackle then follow it up with something incredibly stupid, such as his misplayed pass against Napoli or his sending off against Genoa, both of which cost Roma points.
Maxime Gonalons (MF) – 5
Like De Rossi, Gonalons has been incredibly inconsistent. The Frenchman was sensational against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge yet somehow struggles against Torino in the Coppa Italia, leaving Roma looking for answers at the regista role.
Lorenzo Pellegrini (MF) – 6.5
Pellegrini has been a bright spot for Roma this season. He is proving that he’s worthy of a Champions League club while showing flashes of brilliance. He still has some growing to do but overall he’s had a very positive season.
ATTACK
Stephan El Shaarawy (RW) – 6.5
Nobody will forget El Shaarawy’s performance against Chelsea, however, he has proved to be vital in smaller fixtures such as the one against Genoa. So far, so good from the ex-Milan man.
Cengiz Ünder (RW) – 5.5
Ünder is still very young and continues to adapt to life outside of Turkey. On the pitch, the youngster has shown glimpses of incredible ability, though, he has also made some very silly mistakes, at times. Regardless, he’s growing and will play an important part at Roma, both now and in the future.
Gerson (RW) – 6
Gerson looks nothing like the player who appeared lost under Luciano Spalletti. The Brazilian seems to have found his role under Di Francesco and looks like he could eventually come good after the hefty price tag Roma paid for him.
Gregoire Defrel (RW) – 5
There’s no two ways about it: Defrel has been a complete flop for Roma this season. While he has been hampered with injuries and has also been played out of position, the Frenchman has looked lost on the pitch and doesn’t look like he’s anywhere near the level that Roma require.
Edin Dzeko (ST) – 6.5
While he’s certainly off his pace from last season, Dzeko hasn’t been nearly as bad as many in the media have touted. With the exit of Mohamed Salah, the supply for the Bosnian is certainly down, however, Dzeko is showing he can contribute in other ways and is still vitally important to Roma, proven by his sensational hold-up play against Chelsea.
Patrik Schick (ST) – 6
It’s certainly difficult to judge to the youngster, who’s the most expensive purchase in the history of Roma. Schick has shown incredible ability at times while looking out-of-place at others. Certainly the right-wing role is the wrong position for him, as he’s shown he can be devastating when playing alongside a striking partner while being deployed more centrally, as we saw against Juve.
Diego Perotti (LW) – 6.5
Another steady campaign for the Argentinian. Perotti continues to prove that he’s the Giallorossi’s most creative attacker. While his two penalty kick misses are a concern, Perotti will continue to be heavily relied upon this season to help improve Roma’s attack.
MANAGER
Eusebio Di Francesco – 7
Di Francesco has certainly defied expectations and helped Roma reach a new level in European play. The Giallorossi have been incredibly formidable at the back under his watch, however, he will have to come up with an alternative in attack to help Roma’s lack of goals. His in-match adjustments could use some work, though, he is still adjusting to life at a big club and will surely improve as time goes on.
SPORTING DIRECTOR
Monchi – 6.5
The Spaniard has been criticised for his first summer transfer window in Italy. Purchases such as Gregoire Defrel and Patrik Schick have yet to make a big impact, however, the former seems to be a player explicitly requested by Eusebio Di Francesco while the latter is an important player who needs time to adapt. Monchi will also need time to adapt to Italy as it’s crazy to expect him to pull-off a miracle in his first few months at the club. As he settles and becomes familiar with the Italian landscape, more will certainly be asked and expected of him.
