Opinion: Paredes' rapid improvement creates cause for excitement

Since joining Roma three years ago, Leandro Paredes has made a name for himself in the nation’s capital – quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most promising midfield talents.

Paredes, a Boca Juniors youth product, made his professional debut with the Argentine outfit back in 2010. The midfielder would remain with the club for four seasons, maturing with each passing campaign, and, after impressing with Boca, it would not be long before interested European parties began calling.

Paredes had been firmly on Roma’s radar when, in January 2014, he joined Chievo Verona on an initial loan deal. Six months later the Giallorossi swooped to add him to their squad, convinced he would be able to adjust to life in a new country.

In his first season, 2014-15, the youngster was understandably limited in his appearances for the first team – although he did grab his first goal for the club in a game against Cagliari.

For 2015-16, therefore, the Italian giants decided to loan him out to Empoli to gain first team experience, in a move that would prove beneficial for all parties. Under Marco Giampaolo’s tutelage, Paredes thrived and found continuity, polishing his game week-in, week-out in Tuscany.

Capable of playing as the side’s regista or mezz’ala, Paredes’ versatility meant he started 33 games that season, scoring two goals and propelling Empoli to a respectable mid-table finish. What truly stood out that season, however, was the 22-year-old’s ability to dictate tempo from deep while under pressure.

Often used as Empoli’s outlet in midfield, a huge responsibility for someone of his age and experience, Paredes shone and was soon the talk of the league.

Seeing that he was typically deployed as Empoli’s deepest midfielder, Paredes got a lot of touches that season. In his 33 appearances, the Argentine exuded the confidence of a veteran on the ball and demonstrated his tenacity off it. Averaging 1.2 key passes per game, the midfielder’s ability to play vertically effectively was his biggest asset.

That being said, the midfielder proved to be just as efficient defensively with Empoli, averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game that year. Upon the expiry of his loan deal in the summer, Roma welcomed Paredes back to Trigoria with open arms.

This season has seen the education step up a level, with harder opponents, tougher competition for places and greater demands forcing him to develop even further. Alongside Radja Nainggolan, Daniele De Rossi and Kevin Strootman among others, Paredes is learning a lot from his experienced teammates and is now taking his game to the next level.

Under Luciano Spalletti this season, Paredes has made 11 starts and has come off the bench 12 times already. In addition, he’s already surpassed his goal tally from last season (in fewer games) and is averaging more key passes per game from deep – one of the most notable coming on Monday night, when his sublime ball cut upon Pescara for the game’s opening goal.

As the Argentine’s game continues to evolve with each passing season, it is becoming clear that Roma have one of the peninsula’s elite midfield talents on their hands. Throughout his entire career Paredes has demonstrated a desire to improve and in many ways has succeeded.

Given his track record and talent, it seems Paredes is quickly developing the qualities required to pull the strings from deep for the Giallorossi for years to come.

Leandro Paredes will answer fan questions LIVE on Facebook on Friday afternoon - click here for more details on how to submit your question.