Serie A giants Roma signed Leonardo Balerdi from Marseille in the summer in what was a quickly executed deal. A defensive addition was much needed for Gian Piero Gasperini and the Argentine has proved to be more than useful.
The centre-back was the star of the show in Turin on Monday, playing a big role in Romaโs 2-0 win for Torino.
This came after he also made a mark off the bench against Atalanta, but it was the performance this week that specifically impressed Gasperini.
He compared Balerdi to Franco Baresi, noting how the Argentine has a similar playing style as the late Italian icon.
Those words also remind one of why he decided to sign Balerdi in the first place. The ex-Marseille man never looks fazed, thrives aerially and loves a defensive battle. He is difficult to beat in duels and this also makes him a perfect fit for Gasperiniโs intense system.
Balerdi is now desperate to start against Inter, which will be a huge test. But increasingly, it is clear that he is becoming an on-pitch leader and one that Gasperini desperately wants.
Even earlier in August, Gasperini had referred to the 27-year-old and he is fulfilling the expectation too.
Kaustubh Pandey โ GIFN
