How Leo Balerdi has quickly become a leader for Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini | OneFootball

Serie A giants Roma signed Leonardo Balerdi from Marseille in the summer in what was a quickly executed deal. A defensive addition was much needed for Gian Piero Gasperini and the Argentine has proved to be more than useful.

The centre-back was the star of the show in Turin on Monday, playing a big role in Roma’s 2-0 win for Torino.

This came after he also made a mark off the bench against Atalanta, but it was the performance this week that specifically impressed Gasperini.

He compared Balerdi to Franco Baresi, noting how the Argentine has a similar playing style as the late Italian icon.

Those words also remind one of why he decided to sign Balerdi in the first place. The ex-Marseille man never looks fazed, thrives aerially and loves a defensive battle. He is difficult to beat in duels and this also makes him a perfect fit for Gasperini’s intense system.

Balerdi is now desperate to start against Inter, which will be a huge test. But increasingly, it is clear that he is becoming an on-pitch leader and one that Gasperini desperately wants.

Even earlier in August, Gasperini had referred to the 27-year-old and he is fulfilling the expectation too.

Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN