SSC Napoli vs AS Roma: Combined XI

SSC Napoli vs AS Roma: How the teams look in a combined XI
SSC Napoli vs AS Roma: How the teams look in a combined XI

Defensive midfielder: Allan

Allan is fast becoming a reckoning force in the mid
Allan is fast becoming a reckoning force in the mid

Jorginho's departure has seen Allan assume the role of the midfield anchor. And with a 91.8 pass success rate, can be considered a passmater quiet like the Chelsea man. He has proved to be a great protective cover for the back four, making a staggering 4.7 tackles per game, while his propensity to break forward has also yielded two assists. Allan is the key to the balance between Napoli's defence and offence.

Left winger: Stephan El Shaarawy

El Shaarawy has bolstered Roma's attack
El Shaarawy has bolstered Roma's attack

The Italian international may play second fiddle to Dzeko, but his contributions are undeniable. El Shaaraway has netted twice and also assisted once in it 6 starts. His average of almost 2 key passes per game also trump's Dzeko's 1.4. He'd be crucial to create space for other attackers or lay crosses for the likes of Dzeko or Under to make a meal of.

Central midfielder: Marek Hamsik

The Slovak is a midfield beast
The Slovak is a midfield beast

Carlo Ancelotti's rotation policy has seen Hamsik make only five starts in the league, but the veteran, now in his 11th season with Napoli, remains a key figure. His pinpoint passes and superb vision keeps the cog in this side turning. Hamsik's pass success of 88.3% is also the highest in the team among players with at least 6 starts. He'd be essential in winning the midfield battle.

Right winger: Jose Callejon

Callejon has kept the juices flowing
Callejon has kept the juices flowing

The Spaniard's been a different beast since he joined Napoli in 2013 from Real Madrid, scoring and assisting at a frightening rate. And although he's yet to open his account for the season, Callejon is Napoli's most creative player so far with 16 chances created in the league which includes three assists - joint third-highest at this stage. His creative influence down the right would be pivotal in Roma's undoing.

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