Leandro Paredes did not cost AS Roma much. Transferred in exchange for €2 million (+ €2 million bonus), the 29-year-old Argentinian midfielder has not weighed down Giallorossa’s finances. Coming to the Roman city to fill the departure of Nemanja Matic at Stade Rennais, Paredes has played 15 of the 16 official matches played by José Mourinho’s gang since the start of the season.
Holder at Roma, but…
Under contract until June 2025, the Albiceleste international feels good in the Italian capital. “I’m fine, I’m happy at Roma. I found a coach who gave me a lot of confidence, I play every match. I hope it continues like this. He always pays attention to our national team and our players, he likes to watch us”he declared to sky on November 15, before talking about his other pleasure as a player: returning to the national team.
“Playing in this national team is for me a great pride and a privilege, being able to do it at the Bombonera will be even more beautiful. We never stop talking. Every time we separate, we talk, we count the time it takes for us to get back together.”. Yet, The Corriere dello Sport gives us an unflattering assessment of the former PSG midfielder. The daily explains that doubts exist within Roma.
Became a substitute with Argentina
Paredes is certainly a starter for Mourinho, but his performances are considered very far from those of Matic. Among the Giallorossi, we also consider that it is the very mixed Paredes of Juventus who joined them and not the interesting Paredes of Zenit (2017-2019). The Argentinian’s positioning as a leader would even force Mourinho to align Bryan Cristante on the wings, thus weakening the team during the defensive phases.
A questioning at Roma which also has consequences with Argentina. In selection, Paredes has clearly lost his starting status. During the September rally, he only played 11 minutes against Paraguay (did not play against Peru). And this month, he was not used against Uruguay and only played 20 minutes of the clash against Brazil. Will Paredes raise his head? In Rome, in any case, the last two recruits to arrive from Paris (Paredes and Sanches on loan) are not popular.
