AS Roma: Three hopes, one fear

Hope #1: That Kevin Strootman can take over for Miralem Pjanic in the midfield.

Last season Miralem Pjanic had a career season with Roma, scoring 12 goals in 41 matches. The Bosnian international helped lead the Roma attack serving as the talisman for Serie A’s most potent attacking combination. But with Pjanic gone the question now points to who will take over the Roma center midfield position.

At least for now that job seems to point to Kevin Strootman. Strootman, 26, has been with Roma for three seasons but has never really been healthy during his time with the club. Two knee injuries has slowed down the Dutch international’s progression with Roma but hasn’t limited his potential. With Pjanic gone now seems like the opportunity for Strootman to show that he can lead a midfield at the top of Serie A.

In terms of what Strootman does on the pitch he seems to have a very good understanding as to where to place his passes. Early in this campaign he was worked very effectively with Daniele De Rossi and Radja Nainggolan in organizing a tight, highly structured Roma attack. Manager Luciano Spalletti likes to build attacking chances through the center midfielder position and to directly engage the opponent’s center-backs. That fits very nicely with Strootman’s skillset and should lead to an effective partnership this season.