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Roma discovers de Roon as midfield leader
·15 September 2026·45d ago

Roma discovers de Roon as midfield leader

Source: Forza Roma

Marten de Roon has emerged as a key figure in Roma's midfield under Gian Piero Gasperini. The Dutch midfielder's performance against Torino demonstrated his tactical intelligence and positional awareness, with his introduction into the match serving as proof of his value to the team. Despite his age, de Roon possesses the kind of football intelligence that makes experience less of a factor—he knows exactly where to position himself and when to do it.

De Roon is viewed as a product of Gasperini's system, having been shaped by the coach's methods. His ability to read the game and occupy the right spaces has positioned him as a leader in Roma's central midfield, transforming from what was once an adversarial relationship to becoming integral to the team's tactical setup this season.

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Marten de Roon has rejoined AS Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini, reuniting with the coach after 361 appearances together at Atalanta—more than any other player Gasperini has managed except Toloi with 289. The 35-year-old Dutch midfielder left Bergamo after no longer fitting into Sarri and D'Amico's plans, allowing Roma to complete the transfer quickly and at minimal cost within 48 hours. His departure prompted sharp criticism from Atalanta's ultras, who displayed a banner reading: "You chose to pass into our history but not to belong to it. Goodbye flag-carrier." Gasperini dismissed the criticism, stating de Roon should not have "become an old shoe in a cupboard" and emphasizing the midfielder did not leave by choice.

De Roon's arrival initially unsettled Roma's fanbase due to his history of social media provocations toward the club, though he apologised upon joining. Playing time has been limited so far—35 minutes across league and Champions League matches—but his impact has registered positively. Forza Roma reports that his performance against Torino demonstrated tactical intelligence and positional awareness, with his introduction serving as proof of his value. De Roon holds the second-highest tally of Champions League appearances in Roma's squad with 44 after Paulo Dybala. His football intelligence and ability to read the game position him as a leader in the midfield, while younger players like Niccolò Pisilli can benefit from his experience and presence as they develop.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“L'olandese è una creatura nata con Gasperini e contro il Torino il suo ingresso ne è stata la prova. Sa esattamente dove posizionarsi e come farlo e quando hai questa intelligenza, l'età conta poco Pierluigi Franza 15 settembre - 16:28 La Roma scopre de Roon: da nemico a leader del centrocampo…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma →

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