Blog: Roman Saviour
The Giallorossi are flying low and Serafino Ingardia thinks there is only one player who can turn their season around – and it’s not Francesco Totti
Francesco Totti may still be considered as Roma’s main star but there is someone else who is just as important as Er Pupone today. That man is Alberto Aquilani. Now one of the world’s most skilful midfielders, he’s caught the eye of Arsenal and Juventus while performing for Roma and La Nazionale.
The 24-year-old began the current campaign in impressive fashion, scoring two goals in his first three games. But things then nosedived for the Lupi and their ill fortune culminated with Aquilani’s injury to his left thigh at Stamford Bridge in October. Since then, Roma have added two more defeats and a draw to their negative streak.
Now I’m not arguing that his injury is the only reason behind the club’s struggles, but it is a factor in their decline. Alberto, in my eyes, is the perfect trequartista. As a result, Luciano Spalletti would do well to shelve his 4-2-3-1 and his more recent 4-4-2 shape by switching to a 4-3-1-2 formation.
Aquilani, in that No 10 position, could solve lots of their problems. Linking with the strikers and creating openings for his teammates, he could finally play a key role in a Giallorossi shirt. His skills are unique and there is no one comparable to him in their squad.
More specifically without Alberto the Giallorossi have to find awkward alternatives. For instance, I believe it is easier for them to replace Totti than Aquilani. It’s not my intention to devalue the captain, but the Capitolini are now accustomed to making do with Mirko Vucinic. No one can favourably compare to Aquilani in a more advanced midfield role.
That is why the Giallorossi fans should be praying for his quick return. The longer Alberto remains sidelined, the longer they will suffer. And a defeat in their next game would hurt more than most as Lazio await in what promises to be a heated derby on Sunday evening
C4 article.
Disagree and agree.The difference between last year and this year is that Totti and Aquilani were BOTH healthy to start the season.Alberto is a huge key figure and a 4-3-1-2 would work amazing with De Rossi Pizarro Brighi and Alberto ahead of those three behind Totti and Vucinic.
__________________
Spallettis interview.
Quote:
Reporter: 9 years and no win at San Siro, than comes Spalletti...
Spalletti: ... Spalletti? I was not on the pitch today, the players are on the pitch and worked great.
|
|
Linear Mode
