IFD Columnist Sebastian Fazio breaks down Roma legend Francesco Totti’s season thus far.
Totti is without a doubt one of the greatest of his generation, one of the most talented footballers we’ve ever seen. In his prime days there’s no doubt about him, and even in some of his older days you didn’t doubt him, but now, 39 years old, is it time where Totti stops producing and leading?
We’ve seen this statement for years now and every time Totti answers the critics. As Totti gets ready to make his return to the Roma lineup due to a 2 month injury, questions arise of his fitness level and his level of talent in general. Those questions will be answered in this article; Is Totti good enough to still be effective for Roma?
The answer is yes. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about ‘Il Capitano’ is we shouldn’t question him. Totti has proven time and time again that he is not dead, and that he is well alive. Il Capitano has started 2 games for Roma and coming off the bench once (which was a short 8 minute cameo).
Below we recap Totti’s 2015/16 appearances.
Totti vs Frosinone – Francesco in his first start of the season controlled the game. He saw most of the ball that night with 6.6% of the possession on Roma, he had 49 touches, 3 shots, 35 passes, 1 dribble and 4 key passes. Those numbers aren’t amazing but it got the job done. Totti led Roma to a 2-0 win where he was heavily involved and held up play well, dropped back to pick up the ball and give his teammates options, helped in the possession game and found his teammates with key passes. He led his team, despite not picking up a goal or assist, Totti found ways to be effective and play an important part in the 2-0 win.
Totti vs Sassuolo – He made his second start of the season at the Olimpico where he played in a false 9 role and despite Roma not winning, Totti was once again effective. In this game Totti scored his first goal of the 2015/16 season and his 300th with Roma, a huge achievement. Totti had 5 shots that day, 2 dribbles and 2 key passes. He had a pass percentage of 83.8% and 54 touches on the day. Totti got a 7.72 (WhoScored.com) rating that day which was only second to Salah’s 8. Once again, Totti was effective, offered a passing option for his teammates, helped in the possession game while also offering some offensive threat (5 shots and a goal). Totti played an important part in the match. This game Roma could have won if it wasn’t for some defensive mistakes.
Totti vs Capri – Just in 8 minutes he picked up an assist to Mohamed Salah’s goal in the second half. Unfortunately he did pick up his injury after the goal.
Those were the Captain’s 3 appearances this season and in every one he played a part. Totti’s leadership shouldn’t be doubted. Yes Totti can’t play every single game, yes Totti can’t run past a defence like he did before, but Totti can still lead this team on the field and even when he’s on the bench. He could still be effective and have his say when he plays. Don’t just take it from me, take it from someone like Florenzi, who came out and said Roma miss Totti’s leadership and miss his ability on the pitch.
Totti may not be able to play every game, but he can still lead this team on and off the pitch, when called upon Totti has proven he will show up. I’m not saying Totti needs to play every game because at his age that is difficult, but he could still lead and be very important to Roma’s success this season. Totti’s return will bring leadership & calmness to the attack. With Salah & Gervinho out, maybe it’s Totti who steps up for Rudi Garcia? Il Capitano is in his last season of his great career and he’ll want to have a say on Roma’s Scudetto run.
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