Sardar Azmoun @ AS Roma | 2023/2024

[koush22]

Azmoun's improvement is palpable. Just from the last game:

1. https://youtu.be/15JclntE1pk?t=61
   • Notice how Azmoun considers a sprint towards goal here (his usual move - historically, even if he was going to pass it, he would have beat his man and passed it in the penalty box). The defender tracking Lukaku sees this, and switches to Sardar to cut him off. Sardar then spots the defender abandoning Lukaku, reconsiders his impending sprint, and passes it over (the switch in decision is what makes him stumble over). This is a noticeable tactical improvement for Azmoun.
2. https://youtu.be/15JclntE1pk?t=71
   • He points into space requesting the pass, then beautifully takes it down with his chest, and picks out the corner for the shot. Only missed it because he slipped, otherwise would have been a certain goal.
3. https://youtu.be/15JclntE1pk?t=101
   • Takes the ball off the recovery, spins around 180 degrees, then takes a decent shot that would likely have been a goal if on target. If goalie touches that, it gets poached.
4. https://youtu.be/15JclntE1pk?t=131
   • Notice how EARLY he starts running backwards, when the other two strikers are running towards goal. In the past, he would have joined the penalty box herd, and hope for a cross he can convert via header. Not only does his move here put him into a great scoring position, but he also pulls number 22 away from the congested middle area, freeing up Roma's number 7.

[Ahmad_DC]

Not sure why Mourino would mess up the finishing chemistry they have established and start him. Against tough teams, I hope he keeps him on the bench and gives him 30 minutes of exciting football at the end. Both Dybala and Lukaku like to get the ball at their feet and in comes Azmoun who likes to get the ball on the run. It is difficult for the defenses to adjust. Also, presence of Lukaku keeps their best CB away from Sardar similar to the setup he had at Zenit.

[Keshwardoost]

Roma's attack without Azmoun is much more predictable for defenses. You have Dyabala running/dribbling between lines and using Lukaku for holdup. When they compensate for either, Roma's attacks slow down. With Azmoun added you get a third quick forward with good linkup play running in behind that causes them a lot of trouble and actually creates more space for the other forwards. Needs to start.

Sounds like something for TM, playing Ghaedi. Taremi and Azmoun in second half?

[Iran_19]

Bayen got raped 5-1 by Frankfurt!
Seems like L kuzen may finally have chance to win title this year!
Too bad Sardar won't be part of it!


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[Tarsal Claw]

I'm waiting for all the members to start chiming in about how he should have stayed at Bayer! I swear we can't be happy with anything! But yea, Bayer are clearly on top right now and playing great ball. But I'm not sure SA would have gotten much more playing time.

[koorosh]

Members chimed in a bunch of times already! If if if!

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[Pluto2000]

Sardar is perfect for a mid table Serie A team anyways, he's no messi and has his faults. And he's almost 30 years old. His qualities are strong enough that he wouldn't be a good match in Bundesliga. He fits better in Italy and he also seems to be more passionate to play for Roma too.

[arj42]

Big game tomorrow against fiorntina. If they lose, fiorintina will take romas spot at 4th and Roma will drop to Europa league spot. Also Roma have a really hard news few weeks ahead of them so they should try to win this game at least

[diz]

A win or tie today will see Roma leapfrog Bologna into 4th place and into UCL qualification spot.

[diz]

On the bench, with Dybala and Lukaku up front.

JM continues with this formation despite the more aggressive inclusion of Sardar as a hybrid attacker/defender (his own description of Sardar's position).

[Pluto2000]

On the bench, with Dybala and Lukaku up front.

JM continues with this formation despite the more aggressive inclusion of Sardar as a hybrid attacker/defender (his own description of Sardar's position).

It's a winning formula, expect Sardar to come in when the second half hits. They will be hard focused on narekhar then Sardar comes in as a shellshock like the last few games and confuses them

[BacheLot]

lets hope he comes off the bench at start of 2nd half again ... needs more than the paltry 20-30min here n there to have proper impact on the final result..! however i dont see it happening unless Roma go down before the break..?? :/

the Trio (azmoun, dybala, lukaku) on offense are seemingly very complementary and magical , wish the ever conservative Mou had more balls to feature them from the get go or at least more frequently..!
this playing it safe first approach and then only risk it if trailing the game, probably aint gonna work as well as prior matches considering the higher quality of the opponents they'll be facing in the next few weeks..!!???

today is gonna feature the Attack VS Defense .... lets see who comes out up top at HT..!!?

Sardar still doesnt seem fit enough to play high intensity football for more than a half anyways...? so perhaps best off coming off the bench and save the day again..

[BacheLot]

just logged on about 20 min gone
roma up already 1-0 lukaku

[BacheLot]

Dybala hurt ... about to come off..!!
Sardar in ??

knowing the chicken shitt Mou he'd probably bring in a MFdr

[BacheLot]

24'
Azmoun coming on