Wesley has been one of Gian Piero Gasperini's first-choice picks this season, and the Brazilian full-back has improved across almost every statistical measure compared with last year, according to SofaScore data. Carlo Ancelotti has kept selecting him for Brazil since taking over the national team, making him the only player who has been on the squad list throughout that period. The defender was denied a starring role at the World Cup by bad luck, but he remains one of the cornerstones of both Brazil and Roma. Personal issues involving his now ex-wife have not distracted him, and he delivered the assist for Leonardo Balerdi's equaliser in the 3-3 draw at Napoli, even though he was not one of the best players on the pitch that night.
This season he has already registered two assists, while last year he had none after nine Serie A matchdays. His key passes per match have risen from 0.88 to 2.38, his cross accuracy from 26.9% to 40%, and his duel success rate from 42.7% to 52.6%. The one thing missing so far is a goal. He scored with his first touch for the club last season, in the opener against Bologna, but he is still waiting to find the net this time. Gasperini needs more from him in attack, although goals are not a problem for Roma this season.
Wesley was rested for the first 45 minutes against Cagliari, but he is set to start against Udinese tomorrow and in the Champions League match at Manchester on Tuesday. He will be closely watched at Old Trafford, where Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing him. The English side, struggling after a disastrous start to the season, have reportedly made him a target. Chelsea also considered a move in the summer, but Roma rejected an offer of around 40 million euros.
Testo Originale / Source Text
“Un motivo dovrà pur esserci se neanche Ancelotti rinuncia mai a Wesley. 'Carletto' lo ha chiamato nuovamente in nazionale e da quando è diventato allenatore della nazionale verdeoro è l'unico calciatore ad essere sempre stato nella lista. Ci si è messa la sfortuna a negargli un Mondiale da…”
Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.