As the dust settles from the latest international break and AS Roma gears up for a relentless Serie A schedule, all eyes are on Gian Piero Gasperini`s tactical laboratory. Specifically, the wing-back positions, where a fascinating, high-stakes battle for supremacy is unfolding, promising both intense competition and potential tactical revelations.
The Rise of Wesley: A Brazilian Ascent on the Right
On the right flank, the narrative is one of burgeoning success. Wesley, who recently celebrated his 22nd birthday and a senior debut for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier against Chile, is rapidly cementing his place in Gasperini`s plans. His journey, however, wasn`t without its bumps. Early pre-season friendlies saw him struggle, perhaps a natural consequence of adapting to a drastically new tactical framework.
Wesley arrived in Rome accustomed to playing as a traditional full-back in a defensive line of four. Gasperini`s system, however, demands an entirely different beast: a wing-back who can tirelessly cover the entire flank, contributing defensively as the fifth man in a back-three and pushing forward relentlessly to create scoring opportunities. It’s a role that requires immense stamina, tactical intelligence, and a willingness to run until one`s lungs give out. It`s safe to say, it`s not for the faint of heart.
Yet, Wesley has responded. His decisive goal against Bologna and noticeable improvements in the recent Pisa match signal a player rapidly internalizing Gasperini`s demanding philosophy. The club`s significant investment in him, coupled with his evident progress, means his starting spot is relatively secure, despite the efforts of Rensch pushing from the sidelines. The early returns suggest Gasperini`s skilled hands might just be moulding Wesley into the prolific wide player he cultivated so effectively at Atalanta.
Left Flank Drama: Angelino`s Predicament and Tsimikas`s Challenge
The situation on the left side of Gasperini`s Roman war machine is considerably more fraught with tension. Angelino, the Spanish wing-back, finds himself in a precarious position. Despite his technical prowess, he has reportedly failed to fully convince Gasperini that he possesses the specific attributes essential for the role.
Gasperini`s wing-backs are not merely providers of width; they are engines of perpetual motion, expected to engage in intense defensive duels, make overlapping runs for 90 minutes, and maintain a high physical output. Angelino`s performance in the opening Serie A matches, particularly his struggles against physically imposing opponents such as Orsolini, Bernardeschi, and Touré, highlighted a perceived deficiency in the required physical and aerobic capacity. One might even suggest a hint of irony in a player renowned for his attacking flair finding himself under scrutiny for the very foundational aspects of Gasperini`s system.
Enter Kostas Tsimikas. The Greek international, fresh off his national team duties, is not merely another squad option; he is a direct threat to Angelino`s starting position. Tsimikas boasts a different physical profile – taller at 1.79m compared to Angelino`s 1.71m – and more critically, he is believed to possess the superior endurance and aerobic capacity that Gasperini values so highly. This isn`t just about raw athleticism; it`s about the ability to sustain an exhaustive workload, a hallmark of Gasperini`s tactical blueprint.
“Competition is the engine of progress,” one might observe. And for Angelino, the arrival of Tsimikas marks the end of comfortable incumbency. No longer can he be merely `insinuated` by a less experienced player like Salah-Eddine; he now faces a genuine, system-fitting contender.
Gasperini`s Demands: A Tactical Masterclass or a Relentless Grind?
The dynamic unfolding on Roma`s flanks is a microcosm of Gasperini`s overarching philosophy. His system, often lauded for its attacking verve and relentless intensity, places extraordinary demands on its wide players. They are expected to be both tenacious defenders and incisive attackers, occupying vast swathes of the pitch with unflagging energy.
This approach isn`t just about signing physically robust players; it`s about identifying those who can be molded into this unique role or possess the innate characteristics to thrive within it. Wesley`s journey from a traditional full-back to a Gasperini wing-back exemplifies the former, a testament to effective coaching and player dedication. Tsimikas, on the other hand, appears to be a natural fit, his attributes aligning seamlessly with the coach`s vision.
The possibility of Angelino and Tsimikas even playing together in an emergency, perhaps one as a wide center-back (braccetto) in the back three and the other as the primary wing-back, highlights Gasperini`s pragmatic flexibility. However, the immediate future points to a direct confrontation for the starting berth, a battle that promises to push both players to their absolute limits.
The Stakes for AS Roma
For AS Roma, this internal competition is a double-edged sword. While it creates immediate pressure on individual players, it ultimately serves to elevate the collective standard. A deeper, more versatile squad, where no position is taken for granted, is a Gasperini hallmark. The emergence of Wesley and the impending duel on the left flank suggest that the Giallorossi are building a team designed not just to compete, but to truly dominate the wide areas – a crucial component of modern football success.
As the Serie A season progresses, the tactical evolution of AS Roma under Gasperini, particularly in these critical wing-back roles, will be a storyline worth following. It’s a testament to the idea that even in the highest echelons of football, the fundamental virtues of hard work, physical conditioning, and tactical adaptation remain paramount.