Since the start of the campaign, Roma had their fair share of ups and downs. José Mourinho’s return to Calcio started on a positive note, but a humiliating defeat at the hands of Bodo/Glimt in Norway sparked a mid-season mini-crisis. The Portuguese even claimed that he’s only planning to use 13 players for the rest of the season while ousting the rest of the squad, but the club would slowly regain its balance afterwards. However, one must admit that there is some truth to the Special One’s words, as the gap in the quality between the starting players and the majority of their substitutes is plain to see. So let’s find out who were the best and worst performers for Roma during the first half of the 2021/22 campaign.
Flop #3 – Gonzalo Villar
Following the arrival of Mourinho, one would have expected a physical midfielder like Gonzalo Villar to thrive under the tutelage of the former Inter manager.
But there was none of it.
The Spaniard is yet to play a single minute in Serie A since the start of the campaign and his days in the Eternal City appear to be numbered.
Top #3 – Chris Smalling
The Englishman suffered from some injury setbacks at the start of the campaign, but his return to the formation allowed Mourinho to switch into a three-man defense, which generally improved the results.
Moreover, the former Manchester United man has scored two goals following his return, including one against Atalanta.
Flop #2 – Borja Mayoral
Last season, Borja Mayoral proved to be a formidable replacement for Edin Dzeko when the latter was left out of the squad in the middle of the campaign.
Following the Bosnian’s departure, the former Real Madrid man was tipped to shine while leading the line at the Olimpico Stadium, but it just wasn’t meant to be.
The Spaniard’s lone goal thus far this season came in the Conference League, as he’s been relegated to a benchwarmer since the arrival of our next man.
Top #2 – Tammy Abraham
Speaking of the devil, the England international not only cemented himself as a regular starter at the capital, but he swiftly won over the hearts of the Giallorossi supporters.
The former Chelsea striker is the best goal-scorer for Roma in all competitions, with six strikes in Serie A and as many in the Conference League.
An unlikely love story between an Englishman and the Italian capital.
Flop #1 – Marash Kumbulla
The young Kosovan is only 21 years of age, but after 18 months at the club, he’s failing to justify his hefty fee which is said to be 26 million euros.
The center back looked sloppy at the back on some occasions, including the encounter against Inter, as Roma continues to search for the brilliant youngster who took Italy by storm during his time at Verona.
Top #1 – Lorenzo Pellegrini
Unfortunately for Mourinho, an injury setback has robbed him from his captain, playmaker and arguably his finest player.
But before sustaining a knock, the 25-year-old proved why his is one of the best midfielders in Serie A, scoring five league goals, providing two assists, and acting as the glue that links the midfield with the attack.
Roma fans can only hope that their beloved captain remains healthy for the more crucial part of the campaign.