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The 2018-19 Serie A season hasn’t been a satisfactory one for AS Roma until now as Eusebio Di Francesco’s side is at the 7th position in the points table. Their Champions League campaign hasn’t looked that impressive as compared to the last season when they made it to the semifinals of the tournament.
They beat Barcelona in the quarter-finals which were considered to be their best performance in the Champions League in the last few Champions League seasons.
They also enjoyed a decent Serie A season in the 2017-18 campaign finishing third in the points table, but making it to the semifinals of the Champions League season was a motivating factor for the club.
In the ongoing season, the team management needs to devise a proper game plan when playing against different teams which could make the side much more cohesive. Known to play attacking football AS Roma needs to be sharp in every department. They faced another disappointment yesterday when they lost against Udinese 0-1. Their Champions League match against Real Madrid on 28th November will be a crucial one.
They need to show more resoluteness in their defence while playing against teams who are strong on counter attacks. It will also depend on the players Eusebio Di Francesco opts to play while playing against teams who are known to play aggressive football.
AS Roma were once the most feared and dangerous side in world football with the likes of legendary Francesco Totti, Carlo Ancelotti, Rudi Voeller, Antonio Cassano etc guiding the team to many memorable wins.
Eusebio Di Francesco will be hoping his side takes inspiration from those players which could play a crucial role in motivating his players. AS Roma has a squad which is a perfect mix of youth and experience and has the ability to surprise their opponents.
The players need to show that they can test the best clubs in European football. AS Roma certainly has the players who can deliver for them during demanding situations. We take a look at 5 such players who can play a crucial role for the side in the ongoing season.
#1 Edin Dzeko
Known to be the mainstay of AS Roma’s forward line Edin Dzeko will remain the centre point for AS Roma’s chances. The 32-year old’s combination with the likes of Stephen El Shaarawy and the young Justin Kluivert could be crucial for AS Roma. The Bosnian can evade the best defences with his accelerating runs and precise finishes. Dzeko can outsmart the opposition with his pace and the ability to create the space in the opposition’s territory with his power and control.
Dzeko's coordination with the midfield will also be a crucial factor for Eusebio Di Francesco’s side. Dzeko can be a tricky player because of his ability to win aerial duels with his physicality. Recently there were reports about Real Madrid trying to negotiate a deal with the striker but it was later clarified that the Bosnian will be staying at the Italian Club.
Although the striker isn’t enjoying the best of times as the club the former Manchester City player will eager to prove himself. He scored 16 goals in 36 Serie A matches in the last season and 8 goals in 12 Champions League matches in the last season with 5 assists to his name. In the ongoing Serie A season, the Bosnian has scored 2 goals in 12 games and 5 goals in 4 Champions League games with 2 assists to his name.
# 2 Stephen El Shaarawy
Stephen Al Shaarawy is one of the most promising youngsters in Italian football. Al Shaarawy infuses a lot of pace in this Roma outfit and can be a big threat because of his exhilarating pace and quick counter-attacks. The 26-year-old can be unpredictable because of his ability to score from unusual positions.
The Italian can be a tough operator because of his ability to outclass the opposition’s defence with his unconventional moves and quick passes. The striker has a knack for creating chances with his deceptive moves. His combination with Edin Dzeko in the forward line will be crucial for the club.
The former AC Milan player will be expected to show the promise he is capable of especially during crunch matches. He scored 7 goals in 33 Serie A games in the last season with 5 assists to his name. In the ongoing season, he has netted 5 goals in 11 Serie A games.
#3 Javier Pastore
Javier Pastore adds a lot of depth in this AS Roma squad as the Argentine can play as an attacking midfielder. The 29-year-old can be a tough nut to crack as Pastore has got the intelligence to create chances in the opposition’s half with his clever moves and precise passing.
The midfielder made a switch from Paris St Germain to AS Roma this season. AS Roma might consider themselves lucky as Eusebio Di Francesco’s side will have an influential figure who has loads of experience of playing against some of the biggest clubs in European football. His partnership with Daniel De Rossi in the midfield will be crucial.
His combination with strikers Edin Dzeko and Stephen El Shaarawy will be vital for AS Roma. Although Pastore could score only 4 goals in 23 games in the last season for the Parisians, he contributed with 6 assists. Pastore is also a clever operator at the flanks. In the ongoing Serie A season, the midfielder has scored 2 goals in 7 games.
# 4 Daniel De Rossi
An experienced Daniel De Rossi has been a consistent performer for AS Roma since his arrival at the club. Although the 35-year-old has slowed down a bit De Rossi remains a key figure in the midfield. The Italian remains an influential figure whose intensity and never say die attitude will always remain a motivating factor for some of the younger players of the side.
The midfielder has the ability to win the ball from the opposition with his intelligent moves and aggressive tackles. Daniel De Rossi can outclass any defence with his swift moves and can be quite dangerous inside the box as the Italian is quite capable of scoring goals from unusual positions.
De Rossi will surely remain a vital component in Eusebio Di Francesco’s game plan. De Rossi can be a clever operator during set pieces. His partnership with Javier Pastore in the midfield will be crucial for AS Roma. In the last Serie A season, De Rossi could score only 1 goal in 22 games but looked strong technically especially during crunch situations. Although the 35-year-old veteran hasn't scored a goal in 9 Serie A games this season his experience of playing against some big clubs in Europe could be vital for the team.
#5 Aleksander Kolarov
Considered to be the backbone of AS Roma’s defence, Kolarov adds a lot of solidity in the defence. The 33-year-old is a seasoned campaigner and his experience can surely be a guiding force for the team.
The Serbian can be a threat for any attack with his intelligent interceptions. Kolarov presence also adds a lot of reliability at the back as the defender is known to be technically strong. Kolarov can also be a tough operator as he can shut out any attack with his ability to win the ball from the opposition.
Kolarov's role will be quite crucial as he has the experience of playing against some of the big European clubs. The former Manchester City player has shown in the past that he can deliver during pressure situations. The defender will be the core of AS Roma's defence along with Kostas Manolas and Alessandro Florenzi.
