Marten de Roon remains central to Atalanta as Bayern test looms | OneFootball

Marten de Roon remains central to Atalanta, a constant from Europa League upsets and glory to their recent qualification for the Champions League Round of 16.

According to Get Italian Football News, the 35-year-old captain has accompanied La Dea’s rise, pairing stamina, tactical nous and tenacity with dressing-room leadership that guides the next generation.

This latest European night sits among many in a storied partnership. De Roon is on 429 appearances, six shy of the club’s all-time record, and he leads Atalanta for Champions League outings with 41 and for UEFA competitions with 66.

He is also the sole survivor of the 2018 Europa League exit to Borussia Dortmund, which made his role in this season’s turnaround against the same opponents especially resonant. In the second leg, with a two-goal deficit many doubted could be overturned, he delivered one assist, one big chance created, 74% pass accuracy, 48 touches, five defensive contributions, the second most in the match, and four ball recoveries.

He has lived the highs and lows, and embodies club and city alike, with both daughters born and raised in Bergamo.

De Roon’s influence appears far from fading as Atalanta hope to defy slim odds against six-time tournament winners Bayern Munich, and they will try to reach only the second Champions League quarter-final in the club’s history.

Source: Get Italian Football News