De Rossi hails free Benfica exit as one of world’s best | OneFootball

Daniele De Rossi, coach of Genoa, recalled Mile Svilar’s time at Roma and spoke emotionally about the 26-year-old player. The manager was the one who gave the former Benfica goalkeeper his debut in the Roman first team, at a time when Rui Patrício was injured, thus opening the door for the keeper to make his mark.

“I don’t think I had a particularly sharp eye to recognize that he had something different. Mile Svilar can be considered among the three or five best in the world in his position,” said the Italian coach, in the preview of the match against Roma at the Olimpico.

The footballer first gained prominence at Anderlecht and, in 2017, signed for Benfica, carrying the label of a world football prospect. However, he never quite lived up to those expectations. Between 2017 and 2022, he alternated between Benfica’s first and second teams, never truly showing his real value.

After five seasons with the Eagles – where he still holds a record – he strengthened the Roman squad, even working under José Mourinho. Despite having played for Belgium’s youth teams, he chose to represent Serbia, but has only one senior cap.

In the current 2025/26 football season, wearing Roma’s shirt, Mile Svilar – valued at 35 million euros – has worn the gloves in 29 official matches. In the 2,610 minutes he spent on the pitch, he conceded 20 goals, being an undisputed starter for the team from the Italian capital.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.