Leonardo Balerdi praised by Gian Piero Gasperini, likened to Franco Baresi | OneFootball

On his first Roma start, Leonardo Balerdi impressed in Monday’s 2-1 win over Torino, drawing high praise from coach Gian Piero Gasperini and a comparison with Franco Baresi, though he did not place the Argentine at Baresi’s level.

“Who does he remind me of? He is certainly a powerful, modern and quick defender,” said Gasperini. He told DAZN.

“I cannot name phenomenal current players, but the way he interprets his role reminds me of Franco Baresi. He was the undisputed number one, obviously, but the characteristics are the same.”

Balerdi featured as a substitute in early September’s 2-1 win at Atalanta, then again in the Champions League draw with Fenerbahçe that finished 1-1, before finally starting.

The Argentina international, aged 27, joined Roma in late August after six years with OM, where he wore the captain’s armband.

Source: L'Équipe

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