Veretout reflects on his evolution as a player

The Frenchman has made a big impression at the Giallorossi all ready this season, after making the switch from Fiorentina earlier in the year. And the all-action playmaker has revealed that, despite having a number of offers, it was the combination of the opportunity to remain in Serie A and coach Paulo Fonseca’s plans for him that convinced him the Italian capital was the place to be.

“My priority was to move to a top Italian side,” Veretout told France Football.

“I had the chance to join a top French side – it wouldn’t have been a step back. But I wanted to stay in Italy.

“I took my time, and then I trusted my instincts. Fonseca called me to talk about his approach to the game and how he wanted to change things. He had watched almost all of my games and he talked to me about how I played. It was very interesting to me.

“He wanted me, and then after that it’s up to me to earn my place on the pitch and that’s what I try to do every day. He likes to keep possession, I think that suits my style. But it’s a new team for me, so I need a bit of time.

"On paper I am coming in for a legend like Daniele De Rossi – but you can’t possible compare me to him.”

In a wide-ranging interview, Veretout was asked to reflect on how the various stages of his career had helped change and improve him as a player.

“At Nantes I learned to keep and to move the ball – as well as how to play in tight spaces,” he said.

“At Aston Villa I worked on my fitness and the intensity. In Italy clearly it’s more tactical and there is more focus on the defensive side. At the start of my career I played as a No. 10, but I didn’t feel comfortable in that role – I don’t like to be so close to the striker, I like to start from deeper.

“In a three-man midfield I would put myself on the left, and I like to move in search of the ball and help build a rhythm. I love to play hard, but I need to manage my energy better.

“I used to think that the best players all ran a lot. Then, during one Roma-Fiorentina game, [Radja] Nainggolan seemed to be pressing me everywhere for the whole 90 minutes. Afterwards, reading the stats I discovered that he had run three kilometres less than me.

"Those were intense bursts of focused running, whereas I was running further for longer but tiring myself out in the process. These days I try to get in the right positions and press at the right times.”

One long-term ambition for Veretout is to make his debut for France, after being heavily involved in the various youth sides – and coming close to a first appearance on a number of occasions.

“I would have loved to be part of the World Cup-winning side in 2018, but I couldn’t be jealous – I was delighted for them,” he said. “And, who knows; maybe one day I will be there.

“I have already been called up a few times, so it’s up to me to keep working hard. Good performances are not enough, they want really, really good performances because the standard is so high. Playing in the Champions League would help, but it’s not crucial.”