Roma’s mid-season ratings

roma team

Roma have officially reached the halfway point of their Serie A campaign after having beaten Parma 2-0 in a pivotal clash at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. The Giallorossi have endured a rollercoaster season so far, especially in the league, as they now get two weeks of rest as they prepare for their Coppa Italia match on 14 January against Virtus Entella.

Along with the team as a whole, many in Roma’s roster have had an inconsistent first four months of their 2018/2019 campaign — let’s take a look at how those who made at least 5 appearances so far this season have fared.

GK Robin Olsen: 6.5
The Swede had all the pressure in the world on his shoulders upon arrival as he replaced outgoing Alisson. However, his shot-stopping has saved Roma on numerous occasions, though, he is still prone to an error.

RB Alessandro Florenzi: 5
Like many in the team, Florenzi has endured a rough season and has been wildly inconsistent in his performances. His positioning in defence leaves a lot to be desired while his crossing ability must vastly improve.

RB Davide Santon: 5.5
The former Inter man started the season very well, however, his form fell off a cliff once November arrived.

CB Kostas Manolas: 7.5
Without question, Manolas has, once again, proven to be the most important player in the entire team. The Greek is by far the most reliable name Eusebio Di Francesco has in his fragile defence.

CB Frederico Fazio: 5
The former Spurs man is enduring his worst spell at Roma since arriving at the club in 2016. The Argentine’s nightmare positioning and decision making has cost the Giallorossi on numerous occasions as he no longer looks to be the steady force from last season.

CB Ivan Marcano: 4.5
You could make the argument that the Spaniard, even on a free transfer, was one of the worst pieces of business Roma sporting director Ramon Monchi made last summer. Of the five times he’s been on the pitch, Roma have won only once as Marcano looks so far off the level required, a January transfer seems imminent.

CB Juan Jesus: 5.5
Just like every other season since he’s arrived in Italy, it’s been a mixed bag for the Brazilian. One match he’ll look brilliant and in the next he looks so far out of place that you wonder if it’s the same player.

LB Aleksandar Kolarov: 5.5
Following his incredible maiden season in giallorosso, expectations were high for the Serbian. However, Kolarov has been way off his level from last year and looks every bit of 33 years of age.

LB Luca Pellegrini: 6
Despite only playing a small role in the first portion of the season, it’s clear that Pellegrini has both the physical and technical traits to be Roma’s long-term answer at left-back. After having recovered recently from injury, expect him to play a larger role in the upcoming weeks.

MF Bryan Cristante: 6.5
The Italian international embodies the old adage “patience is a virtue”. After a very poor opening two months, Cristante has settled brilliantly alongside Steven Nzonzi in his new mediano role as he already has four league goals to his name.

MF Steven Nzonzi: 6
While the Frenchman has been far from a disappointment, it’s fair to say more was expected of him. Fatigue is certainly something to consider given he’s near the top of minutes played for the Giallorossi, expect the former Sevilla man to come out flying in the next half of the campaign.

MF Daniele De Rossi: 6.5
De Rossi’s absence in recent weeks has shown just how much he means to Eusebio Di Francesco’s side. While he’s nowhere near the level of a decade ago, his leadership and personality are still vitally important to this Roma side.

MF Lorenzo Pellegrini: 8
After floundering last season and having a rough start to this season, Pellegrini has looked like a player re-born after having switched from his traditional mezz’ala role to his new role as a #10 playing behind the striker. Arguably one of the most important two or three players to the Giallorossi, the team is in good hands for the future with the youngster leading their midfield.

MF Nicolo Zaniolo: 7
At only 19 years old, Zaniolo has displayed more personality and technical ability than several of his decade-older teammates. The youngster looks to be an absolute steal as he was included in the deal for Radja Nainggolan and has everything you could ask for in a young player. Now it’s up to him to put it all together as he will certainly not be short of opportunities at Roma.

MF Javier Pastore: 5
The best ability in football is availability, and the former Palermo man has been anything but. Pastore hasn’t been able to shake his injury woes and is now the low man on the totem pole given the presence of Lorenzo Pellegrini and Nicolo Zaniolo.

RW Cengiz Ünder: 6
The young Turk has endured another successful start at Roma, however, he tends to drift in and out of matches far too easily. Perhaps a bit of competition in his role would liven him up some.

ST Edin Dzeko: 5.5
While he’s been strong in the Champions League, the Bosnian has only two goals to his name in the league and has scuppered far too many chances. He’ll have to raise his level immensely.

ST Patrik Schick: 5.5
There’s no doubting his ability, but the Czech has to start producing more in terms of goals than what we’ve seen thus far.

LW Stephan El Shaarawy: 6.5
Roma’s leading scorer in the league — El Shaarawy always prove to be a threat on goal, however, you’d like to see more consistency in his performances.

LW Justin Kluivert: 6
The Dutchman was welcomed to the club with immense expectations — while he certainly hasn’t been a disappointment, Eusebio Di Francesco could use more end product from the former Ajax man in the second half of the season.

LW Diego Perotti: 6
The Argentine’s lack of presence throughout the season has been heavily felt by Roma. While not a natural goalscorer, the former Genoa man brings brains and personality on the left flank and almost always seems to bring the best out of Aleksandar Kolarov, as the duo are a dynamic partnership.

Manager Eusebio Di Francesco: 5.5
He was on the brink of getting the sack, but the Italian tactician has quieted the voices calling for him to be sent away for the second winter in a row. While you have to credit him for switching from his preferred 4-3-3 to a more attack-minded 4-2-3-1, he’s gotten wrong far too many times and doesn’t always seem to get the best out of his side.

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