Roma midfielder Marten de Roon has logged just 35 minutes in all competitions, but his role under Gian Piero Gasperini is to steady matches and protect leads. He came on against Torino on Sept. 14 with Roma 1-0 ahead, helping the team hold on for victory.
In that 26-minute Torino appearance, de Roon replaced Paulo Dybala in the 64th minute and occupied his position. He won two of three duels, completed five defensive actions and created one scoring chance. His per-90 averages so far are one tackle, two interceptions and 0.5 key passes.
The writer expects de Roon’s role under Gasperini to remain largely unchanged: covering the defense from behind the advanced midfielders and disrupting opposing attacks. At 35, he is not expected to play thousands of minutes; the article sees him as a second-half option alongside Niccolò Pisilli to help Roma chase or close out tight games.
