Opinion: How Spinazzola solved Fonseca's defensive dilemma

With Roma suffering a defensive injury crisis for the clash with CFR Cluj, Paulo Fonseca was forced into playing a back three of Bryan Cristante, Juan Jesus and Leonardo Spinazzola.

His makeshift backline certainly didn't let him down, for they were solid on their way to keeping a clean sheet. A key component towards Roma's 2-0 win, which secured qualification to the knockout stages of the Europa League and earned Roma's third consecutive shutout in Europe (the first time since 2007 that's happened), Fonseca was delighted with his backline.

Unquestionably the biggest positive was Spinazzola's performance in this unusual position, as he adapted brilliantly to his new role on the right side of central defence.

Considering he usually operates as an ultra attacking wingback within Fonseca's framework, it was admirable how he adjusted his approach to a more defensively geared one.

Fonseca did, however, still give him some licence to push up into Roma's attacking half, where he surged forward at every available opportunity and used his incisive passing skills. In doing so, this enabled him to use his coveted offensive qualities to breathe life into many an attack.

While he embarked on some dynamic dribbles into vacant spaces and caused promising overloads, his distribution was especially effective.

Playing a plethora of wicked through balls to oblige the runs of Bruno Peres, Borja Mayoral and Carles Perez, these measured deliveries were a constant thorn in Cluj's side.

Be it lofted, driven, ground or through balls with the outside of the foot, the Italian international's ingenuity and execution was a massive highlight.

Indeed, the fact he struck six accurate through balls and Roma funneled 40% off their attacks down their right showed what a vital figure he was going forward.

When not playing these progressive passes, Spinazzola showed fine judgment and situational awareness when recirculating possession while waiting for an opening to arise in Cluj's first line of pressure. With Roma often enjoying a 3v2 advantage in build up and the two outside central defenders splitting wide to the edge of the box, this stretched Cluj's pressing shape.

As a result, room to dribble or beat the press with incisive passes was available, which Spinazzola and co. made the most of.

So comfortable on the ball and handling pressure without issue, he successfully lured one or more pressers before finding a free man on many occasions to bypass the press.

Although Cluj didn't pose a huge threat offensively, Spinazzola largely handled any danger with assuredness and confidence. Using his reading of the play and lightning speed, the way he tracked runners in behind and helped teammates was admirable. Moreover, if his man dropped deep, his response was sharp to get touchtight and make life difficult for his man to turn or receive cleanly.

Supported by his teammates, Cristante in particular was regularly communicating with him and his fellow defenders when to step up, drop back or hold their post. How Peres would track back diligently and get into shape alongside him was also valuable, so they could be well situated to handle opponents in their respective areas of operation.

Undertaking his duties on both sides of the ball without committing any glaring mistakes, Spinazzola's display was exceptional in light of the circumstances. Repaying his manager's faith emphatically, the quiksilver 27-year-old deserves immense credit for his accomplished body of work.

Even though this isn't his preferred position, he proved he can do a job for the team when called upon, which only enhances his worth to Fonseca's exceptionally coached, tactically flexible Roma.