Angelino is adapting to Gasperini`s system, but Tsimikas`s arrival sparks competition. Meanwhile, Wesley continues to improve, promising many assists.
Wesley celebrated his 22nd birthday with an early gift: his debut for the Brazilian national team at home against Chile two nights ago. He now hopes to make a repeat appearance in Bolivia on Tuesday night, in the final World Cup qualifier. Angelino, on the other hand, has fewer reasons to celebrate. While he has never represented Spain internationally, his position at Roma is now in question. If Wesley is now an undisputed starter on the left flank, Angelino might lose his spot on the right next week. The arrival of Tsimikas (who regularly plays for Greece) offers Gasperini an additional option, and there is a possibility that the Greek player could become the coach`s preferred choice.
On the Left Flank
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The potential surprise on Roma`s flanks might soon appear on the left, where Kostas Tsimikas, the new arrival, could challenge Angelino for a starting role. This increased internal competition within the squad could, in fact, prove to be a positive factor. Tsimikas is expected to play tomorrow night in Athens against Denmark, before returning to Trigoria on Tuesday to begin his ascent in the team`s hierarchy.
The Challenge Ahead
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What makes it plausible that Tsimikas could quickly become a starter? Angelino was never considered the `perfect` full-back for Gasperini, to the extent that he was almost sold to Al-Hilal during the summer transfer window. He struggled physically in the first two league matches against opponents like Orsolini, Bernardeschi, and Touré. He lacks that extra bit of physicality and athleticism needed to constantly cover the entire flank as Gasperini demands. Tsimikas, conversely, possesses a different physical build (not only is he taller, 1.79m compared to the Spaniard`s 1.71m) but also boasts greater stamina and aerobic capacity, essential qualities for the demanding work Gasperini requires from his wide players. They might eventually alternate, but it`s clear that from now on, Angelino faces a genuine competitor, unlike Salah-Eddine who barely threatened him in the last six months. There`s also a remote possibility that, in emergency situations, they could both play on the same flank, perhaps one as a `third center-back` in a back three and the other as a full-fledged wing-back.
On the Right Flank
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On the opposite flank, Wesley seems to have secured his starting spot, even though Rensch is pushing for more minutes, and his entourage is reportedly unhappy with his limited and out-of-position deployment. However, Roma`s investment in Wesley is too significant not to trust him and give him confidence regardless. The Brazilian has shown clear growth: after a difficult start in friendlies, he scored the decisive goal against Bologna and continued to improve in Pisa. Wesley, accustomed to playing in a back-four as a deep full-back in Brazil, is now learning the role of a wide midfielder covering the entire flank. The impression is that, under Gasperini`s expert guidance, he can develop significantly, bringing goals and assists to the team, just as Gasperini`s wide players did at Atalanta.
