Five Things To Build On: Positives for Roma as we head into 2018

The Giallorossi go into 2018 currently fourth in the Serie A table - albeit with a game in hand on their rivals above them - and having qualified for the last-16 of the Champions League, where they will face Shakhtar Donetsk.

1. Eusebio Di Francesco's initial impact

Eusebio Di Francesco's impact since joining Roma in the summer, following his impressive work at Sassuolo over the last five seasons, has been immediate.

It's been fascinating to observe how well he's gotten his meticulous philosophy across to his players and built on the quality work done by his predecessor Luciano Spalletti, who broke the Giallorossi's Serie A points total last term.

Despite some teething issues instilling his positional demands into his players, which was to be expected, the early success of this new era at Roma led by Di Francesco and Monchi bodes well for an exciting future ahead for the club. Considering some of the key cornerstones of his tactics are deploying a high defensive line, pressing high and instructing his attackers to execute repeated interchanges of position, Di Francesco has done well at this early juncture to steer a clear transition to a new way of playing.

2. Kolarov imperious

There's no doubting Aleksandar Kolarov has been one of the signings of the season so far. Adding vital experience, leadership and technical qualities to the dressing, the Serbian's form has been an instrumental factor in Roma's performances so far.

While his aggression and physicality on the defensive end have been striking, his impact has been most keenly felt in his team's attacking phases. Using his slick passing over short and long distances, fearsome dribbling ability, intelligent movement and wicked acceleration, Kolarov's been a key weapon going forward, plus why Roma have opted to instigate a large portion of their attacks down his side.

His five goals and three assists, in conjunction with his averages of two shots per game, two key passes (pg) and two completed dribbles (pg), duly depict his offensive impact.

3. Defensive unit adds resolve

Possessing the best defensive record in Serie A, Roma's resolute backline has been another huge aspect towards their success. Well-drilled, organised, and showing great spacing, Di Francesco has set up his side beautifully to deal with the many dangerous attacking units in the division.

Conceding only 12 goals in their 18 league matches, while keeping an impressive nine clean sheets, demonstrates what a well-oiled unit they are. Their first choice back four of Kolarov, Federico Fazio, Kostas Manolas and Alessandro Florenzi - who are all enjoying fine campaigns - have notably been well supported by the likes of Juan Jesus and Bruno Peres, with the recently-injured Rick Karsdorp, Emerson Palmieri and Hector Moreno still to be fully integrated too.

4. Alisson's brilliance becomes immediately clear

Alisson's contribution to the Giallorossi's defensive efforts can't be underestimated, as the Brazilian international has been in inspired form between the sticks this term.

Moreover, the way he's produced some spectacular saves has been crucial in Roma gaining maximum points on many occasions.

Displaying a strong command of his area, fearless approach to set pieces, sharp anticipation, cat like reflexes and clean shot stopping capabilities, the 25-year-old's stepped out of the departed Wojciech Szczesny's shadow this term to make the starting spot is own in double-quick time.

5. Signings add depth, with potential to improve

Much was made of the club's acquisition of masterful sporting director, Monchi, in the summer from Sevilla. But without doubt, the majority of the intriguing signings he bought in have added some much needed depth and quality to the Romans.

Although it's still extremely early to judge his transfer dealings, Kolarov and Lorenzo Pellegrini have both immediately looked astute additions, with Maxime Gonalons and Patrik Schick growing into their new roles at the club.

With Cengiz Under and Gregoire Defrel supplementing the attack, this additional quality across the board has subsequently afforded Di Francesco the luxury of being able to persistent rotate his side, in order to keep his players as fresh as possible to deal with the demanding season, which should serve the side extremely well in the all-important closing months.