Spoiled For Choice

By: cathal | September 26th, 2008

I’m tempted to say that we couldn’t have got off to a better start this season. Ok, I know for more than half the Cagliari game we were down and out and I know we let four goals past us in Milan but did anyone expect to pick up nine points from a maximum twelve in games that included three of the best sides in Italy? We truly have had a magnificent start.

However, nothing is perfect in life and a strong beginning brings its own unique problems. The biggest obstacle in our path could actually be something that was meant to help us; squad depth. For example, we have managed to score more goals than anyone else in Serie A so far but without our goal machine and captain, Rocchi. Not only that but how do we reintegrate our most influential player into a frontline who together has accumulated seven goals in four games. It would take a brave man to leave out Pandev or Zarate given their current form. So what can we do? Well, I guess the only other option is to leave out Mauri or Foggia. Foggia has been somewhat of a catalyst for us, coming off the bench to devastating effect or just making Fiorentina look silly and Mauri, one of Delio’s personal faves, has shown glimpses of past form. Of course, leaving out either of these two guys is dangerous as it leaves us without a natural trequartista. This could mean Pandev will have to drop back thus nullifying his goal threat. A tough decision for Rossi, but one he will be forced to make.

Mauri’s future role in the team could well be in the midfield alongside vice-captain Ledesma (who was again linked to Juve today). However, Matuzalem is also a candidate for that position when fit and what about Dabo? Brocchi has had a long stint in the team in the absence of Ousmane but who will be favoured when both are eligible to play? Where does Meghni fit into the system? Mourad may be versatile and his form and fitness is ever improving but when everyone is fit, he could well find himself on the sidelines along with the likes of Firmani. Again, these are tough decisions for Rossi, but decisions he will be forced to make and decisions on which this season could ride upon.

And if you thought the depth lay solely in the attacking thirds of the pitch, then I think you could be wrong. Yes, Rozehnal and Siviglia have established themselves as the first choice central defensive pairing but Cribari was impressive against the Viola and keep in mind that he missed a lot of the pre-season through injury. Also waiting patiently is Diakite’ who looks like an immensely sturdy defender and let’s not forget Radu could adopt that position in the near future. However, I think the left and right back positions are particularly intriguing. For me, Kolarov and De Silvestri are wing backs; they like to get forward but sometimes forget to defend. Lichtsteiner and Radu provide stability but less of an attacking threat. Therefore, I feel Rossi’s choice of backs will always be interesting and could give some indication on how the team intends to play. The only constant in the team right now is Carrizo. He is the undoubted No.1 and as yet, Muslera isn’t even close. To have a safe pair of hands between the goals each week makes a huge difference, especially when we could all be continually left guessing who the other ten men on the teamsheet may be.

I think a lot of what happens this season could depend on who Rossi sends out onto the field. For sure we have many options now that we haven’t had in previous seasons but keep in mind that the gap in quality between the first choice and the second choice is minimal now and this is potentially problematic. Were we all to sit round a table and pick our Lazio XI, I think few of us would actually agree on a team. In addition to that, I’m sure few of us will agree with Rossi’s eventual XI when it emerges but to be honest, I don’t care who he picks as long as the positive results continue. He is the one who is paid to make the decisions, the rest of us can and will only dream.