RomaPress – Since the 2018 departure of Alisson to Liverpool, there seemed to be no logical explanation behind Roma’s goalkeeping struggles.


Following the sale of the Brazilian for a record fee of €62.5 million, it’s been an aimless and drawn-out experiment of trial and error trying to find a semi-competent replacement.

Between 2018 and 2021, Roma acquired and utilised four different goalkeepers in Robin Olsen, Antonio Mirante, Daniel Fuzato, and Pau Lopez—all of whom cost a combined €32.5 million. Not for lack of trying, it became clear that Roma, once again, would be forced to dip back into the transfer market this past summer following the appointment of Jose Mourinho in May.

Following the Special One’s arrival, Roma were promptly linked with several players represented by super agent Jorge Mendes, who serves as Mourinho’s agent in addition to a host of players.

One of those players included Portuguese international Rui Patricio. The veteran shot-stopper was seeking a change of scenery after spending three seasons with Wolves. Just weeks later, Roma struck an agreement with the English side to acquire Patricio for a fee worth €11.5 million.

The move garnered mixed reactions from both the media and supporters, with many questioning paying such a high fee for a soon-to-be 34 year-old.

After six months, though, it’s clear Roma have finally found a reputable, esteemed figure that’s worthy of being their first choice shot-stopper.

To date, Rui Patricio has tallied 11 clean sheets in 29 league appearances this season. It’s an astounding figure considering his predecessor, Pau Lopez, earned only 9 clean sheets total in 53 appearances over the course of two seasons.

It’s not a secret that Lopez, who joined Marseille last summer, had major difficulties handling the pressure at Roma. Patricio, meanwhile, seems to thrive off pressure and has preserved several results for the Giallorossi, including last night’s draw against Udinese.