Angeliño

José Ángel Esmorís Tasende — known universally as Angeliño — took a long and winding road before finding his spiritual home in Rome. A Manchester City academy graduate who spent years on loan across Europe refining his craft, it was at RB Leipzig where he truly announced himself, becoming one of the Bundesliga's most dynamic left-backs and playing a decisive role in Leipzig's first-ever Champions League semi-final appearance in 2020. He provided the assist for the winning goal against Atlético Madrid in the quarter-final.

Angeliño signed permanently for Roma in May 2024, and he has been transformed from a flank defender into something closer to a wide midfielder in attack. He is technically gifted, blessed with a superb left foot, and produces a remarkable volume of chances from his position on the left side. He was nominated for multiple Dutch awards during his breakthrough season at PSV, setting records for assists and chances created.

What makes him special for Roma supporters is the combination of selflessness and quality: he tracks back diligently, but when he gets forward — and he gets forward often — he does it with real purpose and delivery.