When people think of Roma, the name Daniele De Rossi is bound to crop up.
Having spent his full professional career at the Giallorossi, De Rossi has become a hero in Rome with a combination of his work ethic, leadership skills and loyalty. A player who can be relied upon for the Roma faithful. A Roma fan. The thought of him playing elsewhere might seem quite bizarre, despite the transfer rumours that have popped up over the past two years or so, but recent interest from Chelsea has tested both De Rossi and Roma’s devotion to each other. Is now the time for Capitan Futuro to consider a move to what many would see as a higher level?
Jose Mourinho has been a long time admirer of De Rossi, having tried to sign him for both Inter Milan and Real Madrid whilst he was in place manager. The tough battling nature of De Rossi’s play is clearly a key element in the game to The Special One, and as he returns to Chelsea for the new season, it’s clear Jose Mourinho still sees the Italian International as someone who could boss the midfield; someone who can both defend and attack and is equally capable of tackling and harassing an opponent off the ball as he is passing forward and shooting from distance. A respectable amount of headed goals are also part of the De Rossi package. With a fair amount of flair on show at Stamford Bridge at the moment, a player with Daniele De Rossi’s skill set could be seen as a key element to balance what looks like a formidable gathering of attacking options.
At 29 years old, it’s fair to say Daniele De Rossi doesn’t have too many years left to lift silverware; either at club level or with Italy. With Roma, De Rossi has lifted the Coppa Italia on 2 occasions, and 1 Supercoppa Italiana. In terms of Serie A titles, the midfielder has seen a runner up spot 5 times with Roma, not quite making it to the heady heights of being crowned Serie A champions. With Jose Mourinho back at Chelsea, perhaps a move to London for could be a perfect chance to lift a coveted league title, and maybe more.
Roma have made great efforts to better their Serie A chances so far in the summer of 2013, and have strengthened quite considerably. Mehdi Benatia, Maicon and Tin Jedvaj have all joined up with new boss Rudi Garcia to try and get the club back into a Champions League spot. More impressively, however, the arrival of Dutch starlet Kevin Strootman has impressed greatly as he was reportedly being chased by other clubs, including Manchester United. With this, a midfield of De Rossi, Strootman and Pjanic could create one of the best in the league and perhaps chase for more honours. Someone of De Rossi’s ability, with all the experience brought with it, could be vital for such a push for honours.
A factor to be considered for De Rossi is the scrutiny he came under last season, with a series of performances not quite akin to what we expect. The early part of the season saw De Rossi start on the bench on a number of occasions, and to get any momentum and form was going to be difficult. De Rossi may have a point to make this season, and with the impressive additions to the playing squad at the Stadio Olimpico, it could be more tempting to stay in Rome. Of course, this all still comes with the loaded pressure of being a big time player in Rome-just ask Francesco Totti.
Since making his debut as an 18 year old, De Rossi has been dubbed “Capitan Futuro”-the future captain of Roma, taking on board all that comes with that. Pressure to win and responsibility at all times regardless of results. An ambassador for the club. There are few better examples of this than current captain Francesco Totti; the ultimate hero for the Giallorossi. The pressure of being future captain, and the club’s highest paid player has seen De Rossi contemplate life elsewhere, as many mutterings of discontent in the media recently has shown.
Although not quite discontent, it seems the thoughts are certainly there with regards to a move away from Roma and the pressure that comes with it. The potentially devastating midfield that could be created this season at Roma is evident, but with the introduction of Strootman it could be looked at as an opportunity for Roma and De Rossi to part company, opening a potentially trophy laden spell in England for a player who simply does not have enough of them.