For Roma, at the end of the first half of the league, the team's form has rebounded significantly. In seven consecutive matches, Mourinho's side won four games and a draw. Roma are sixth in the league table and, while not yet in the European zone, are not far from the team in front of them. Although winning the title is not realistic for this team, as long as they can keep their good form, it is quite promising to achieve a Champions League qualification at the end of the season. This is also Mourinho's main goal this season, and a key indicator of his coaching performance this season.
From the perspective of the team's lineup, the loss caused by Pellegrini's injury to the team is obvious. This season, due to the unstable state of tamalm, Zaniolo and others, Pellegrini has become the real offensive core of the team. Judging by the performance on the pitch, Pellegrini was mostly placed in the front flank by Mourinho. In this position, he can make full use of his excellent ability to pass the ball and shoot well. This season, Pellegrini has scored five goals and two assists in 13 league appearances, creating seven goals, behind tammy Abraham in the front line and Veletu, who takes the penalty. In addition to his impressive stats on goals and assists, Pellegrini has created five great scoring opportunities for his teammates this season. Averaging 3.1 key passes per game, no one in Roma is the best player in the Squad of Roma, and even the first of all the players in the Serie A position.
In addition, when his teammates are not in good shape, Pellegrini can also use his excellent breakthrough ability to disrupt the opponent's defensive system. This season, he can average 1.7 passes per game, ranking second in the team. Pellegrini also did quite well in terms of crosses after completing the breakthrough, with a 40% success rate in crosses, ranking third in the team. Defensively, Pellegrini, as captain of the team, also set a good example for his teammates. When the team loses the ball in the front court, Pellegrini can always enter the defensive state at the first time, limit the opponent's ball, and even prevent the opponent from forming a quick counterattack through fouls. This season, he has averaged 4.2 successful possessions per game and 1.8 fouls per game. After more than a month away from the field, Pellegrini finally returned from injury, which is undoubtedly a great reinforcement for Roma.
Meanwhile, in the transfer market, Mourinho and Roma are moving very quickly. Sources say they are interested in Midfielder Oliveira, who plays for Porto. This season, Oliveira has scored five goals for the team in all competitions. However, he did not get the main position and was unable to get the opportunity to start in most matches. In this case, after Roma expressed interest in him, Porto were also open to Oliveira's departure. Roma have agreed with Oliveira on their personal treatment, which will be offered a 3-and-a-half-year contract. It is reported that Roma are expected to sign the former Portugal international by first loan and then buyout. In the transfer market, the 29-year-old Oliveira is worth 17 million euros.
While running the Oliveira transfer, Roma have even completed the transfer of another midfielder, he is Niles who plays for Arsenal. Unable to get enough playing time within the squad, Niles decided to leave the team in order to be able to maintain good competitive form ahead of the World Cup in order to increase hopes of entering the England national team. According to transfer expert Romano, Roma have reached full agreement with Arsenal and they are determined to sign Niles on loan. However, there was no buyout clause in the loan contract, and Niles still hopes to return to Arsenal after Roma prove themselves. For Mourinho, Niles can play all positions in the midfield except for centre-back and goalkeeper, which will go a long way towards improving the quality of the team's defence.
Also, on the AC Milan side, with Kyal injured and Romagnoli in poor form, they have always wanted to sign a good centre-back in the winter transfer window. Botman has always been a favorite player for head coach Pioli, but this has been unbearable for the team due to his value of more than 30 million euros. In this case, AC Milan had to continue to look for other players with good prices. According to Roma Sport, AC Milan are following Villarreal's talented centre-back Jorge Cuenca. The 22-year-old centre-back, who is 1.9 metres tall, has made 16 league appearances this season and averaged 6.96 points per game. In the transfer market, Jorge Cuenca is worth 6 million euros. (The picture comes from the Internet, if there is infringement, please contact to delete)