That’s a stark contrast to Claudio Ranieri (now a senior advisor to the Friedkin family), who had used him primarily as a right winger in a 3-5-2, insisting on the idea that he should defend more and better. Now, with Soulé shining while being played higher on the pitch, this seems wrong. And probably it is.
Since Dybala’s injury last spring, Soulé has taken Roma by the hand and established himself as one of the most decisive young players in European football. Since the start of last season, he has scored six away goals (along with several assists), a tally bettered only by Lamine Yamal, Lucas Stassin, and Jude Bellingham.
His rise has been nothing short of a blossoming. Step by step, play by play, he has swept through Roma with dazzling authority, and he has no intention of stopping.
Dominant performance
Last weekend, it was once again Soulé who made the difference, netting the winner against Pisa. The Giallorossi were struggling in attack, hindered by Stephan El Shaarawy’s inconsistency on the left flank (Pellegrini and Bailey will have to step up in that position, because the number 92 seems to be unable to play at an acceptable level anymore).
But when Dybala came on, things changed and Giallorossi found new connections on that side of the pitch. The Argentine combined with Evan Ferguson in the box, the Irishman (great impact!) controlled, shifted the ball in three touches, and set up Soulé, who struck an unstoppable left-footed shot into the net. Minutes later, Soulé thought he had doubled the lead after heading home from another Dybala cross, but the goal was disallowed for handball.
Even without the brace, Soule was named MVP of the match and deservedly so. It was another mature performance, another night with Roma on his shoulders. Under Gasperini, he looks destined to blossom into one of Europe’s best attacking midfielders. While he awaits a call-up for Argentina (that position is generally overcrowded…), Soulé is thriving in Giallorossi colours, clearly at home in an environment that has embraced him, despite some initial doubts.
Ideal partnership
Since April 13th, he has played nine games, failing to record a goal or assist in only two. In total, he has seven goals/assists over that stretch, making him Roma’s most decisive player, even though some fans still view him as a placeholder for Dybala, reluctant to let go of La Joya.
Gasperini, however, is a coach who believes firmly in meritocracy. For him, reputation counts for nothing; only training, commitment, and performance matter. If you train well, you play. If you perform, you keep playing, and you become central.
A self-made coach who carved his path in a notoriously hierarchical Serie A, Gasperini has lifted countless attacking midfielders to career-best heights. Soulé now hopes to be the next in line. The start is promising, and Roma fans are already licking their lips.