Former Roma and Juventus center-back Mehdi Benatia, who spent three years alongside Dybala in Turin, hailed the Argentine playmaker for his technical ability and prowess in the final third. The former Palermo forward ended a long transfer saga, side-eyeing the likes of Inter, Napoli and Milan to join the Giallorossi ranks.
Benatia, who played in Rome for one season back in 2013/14, was asked about Dybala’s transfer to the Eternal City in an exclusive interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“At first it was a surprise to imagine him at Roma – Paulo could make a fortune all over Europe. I knew that his priority was to stay in Italy and therefore I am very happy for him: seeing a player of his class and skill in a place like Rome will be nice. Roma are coming off a great season, but having somebody like Dybala changes the whole team. I agree with Allegri, it may be the right place for him.”
He feels Dybala will seamlessly fit into the Roma squad, given the presence of Mourinho to develop him further.
“They have Mourinho, who is great and always find a way to bring a trophy home. The players know it and follow him because of it. I wish I had had someone like him.”
La Joya is touted to take the legendary Totti’s number 10 jersey, maybe sometime in the future, after the icon himself said it was possible.
“Whoever takes Francesco Totti’s shirt will have a huge responsibility, one like this might never be there again. For football and for the way he is loved and loves Roma.”
Dybala will don the number 21 shirt, the same digits he donned at Juventus for seven consecutive seasons. He could make his Giallorossi debut on July 30 when Roma take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Israel.