Opinion: Moreno's qualities will enhance Roma's defensive unit

Earlier this week, Roma made the first signing of the summer - Mexican defender Hector Moreno. Our columnist looks at what he will bring to the side…

Having amassed over 300 appearances over the course of almost a decade in European football, Hector Moreno joins the Giallorossi from PSV Eindhoven as an extremely accomplished and experienced defender.

The 29-year-old, who has enjoyed spells at AZ Alkmaar, Espanyol and PSV since switching continents, is a fine acquisition for the Giallorossi. For starters, his versatility - which sees him capable of operating in a central defensive back two or three, as a left-back or even as a potential midfield option - will give the club's new manager Eusebio Di Francesco plenty of tactical flexibility as he prepares his side for various competitions and opponents next term.

In terms of his attributes, there's a lot to admire about the experienced Mexico international. Possessing a fine capacity to read the play and a strong positional sense to boot, in combination with his concentration and awareness those qualities help him make excellent decisions depending on the situation he's confronted with.

Laser-focused on the pitch and always aware of what is around him, Moreno is rarely caught out by opponents’ runs behind him. In addition, the way he judges when to step out of his defensive line to respond to pressing triggers and when to hold back - such as if his marker is receiving with their back to goal or in an open body position - is a testament to his capacity to make the right decisions on the fly.

That intelligence translates into the timing of his interventions too, with Moreno very efficient when nipping into break up opposition attacks. An imposing figure, the languid stopper is also a tough customer to overcome in aerial duels, and deals very well with crosses coming into the box where he orients his body accordingly to snuff out deliveries before they can reach their intended target.

Last season he successfully completed just under 11 defensive actions per game, demonstrating his consistent output at the back.

Meanwhile, in possession, Moreno's distribution and dribbling skills are a notable weapon. Blessed with a cultured left foot, but also competent with his right, his vast range of passing sees him equally comfortable hitting sweeping cross-field diagonals to put his wingers into advantageous one-on-one scenarios, playing precise vertical line breaking passes into the feet of his attackers or simply retaining possession (see image above).

Moreover, his competency and happiness with the ball at his feet allows him to carry the ball upfield, with the intention of drawing an opposing midfielder out of slot to provoke a press. This subsequently creates a free man in behind the presser, who can usually receive Moreno's pass, turn and continue the attack from a dangerous location.

This is a similar quality to one Federico Fazio offered for the Giallorossi last season with his right foot – meaning Di Francesco now has two players at his disposal who can distribute the ball well from a central slot.

Moreno will unquestionably supply an additional goalscoring threat on set pieces, as he's a hugely challenging proposition to deal with in these instances. A terrific timer of his movements with an immense leap, he scored a remarkable seven Eredivisie goals last term – the most of any defender in the competition - proving, as he's done throughout his career, what a vital component of his game this is.

Parlaying power, intelligence, finesse and more than 75 international appearances, signing Moreno is a great way for Monchi to kick off his reign as sporting director, while notably illustrating his expertise in the transfer market.

“Moreno has been a target of mine for a long time, and fortunately now the circumstances are right for him to join us at Roma,” explained Monchi. “This is a central defender with a lot of international experience, and he fits the profile we were looking for perfectly.”

A valuable contributor in both facets of the game, Moreno's capture definitely enhances the quality of Di Francesco's squad ahead of a fascinating 2017-2018 campaign.

While he may have to make some initial adjustments to a new league, new surroundings and a new coaching philosophy, Moreno should get plenty of opportunities to establish his place in the pecking order.

Signed as a centre-back – adding depth and new qualities to the existing competition for playing time – his comfort on the left could mean, initially at least, he is also used to cover the injury-enforced absence of Emerson Palmieri in the early parts of the new campaign.

With the team set for a busy crusade ahead that will see them play in excess of 50 games, he'll most likely start his fair share of games, something that should mean he'll be gradually integrated into the squad rather than thrown in at the deep end.

Only time will tell how well he adapts to his new home, but Moreno's capture is undoubtedly an intriguing one and could be the start of an exciting window ahead for Roma.