Opinion: Analysing Calafiori's encouraging performance

Handed a second consecutive start in the Europa League by Paulo Fonseca, Riccardo Calafiori entirely vindicated his manager's decision by putting in a superb shift.

Operating at left wing back for the Giallorossi, the 18-year-old academy graduate produced an encouraging display.

Marking his excellent display with a scintillating volley from 25 yards, his first goal at professional level, this was a fine reward for his efforts.

“I really liked his performance, as I did with all the players," Fonseca gleamed. "Calafiori is doing well, he’s improving and he’s more ready to be involved. And for me as a coach it’s important to see that, both with Calafiori and with the other players.

"Today we changed a few things, so for a coach it’s always important to see that everyone wants to play.”

To start with, his defensive output was sound, as he exhibited top judgement and awareness to be awake to nearby threats in his area. So quick to react when his man embarked on runs in behind and when they dropped deep, he got touchtight to stifle their impact.

Great in the air and at reading the ball flight, the 183 cm defender with a quality leap won his headers cleanly to stop attacks dead and help Roma win second balls.

Meanwhile, when it came to challenges on the ground, his telescopic long legs came in handy, allowing him to nip in and regain possession smartly. The fact he'd press his opponent so aggressively into Roma's attacking half when Young Boys passed out from the back, meant he could use his long limbs to win back the ball in advanced areas so his team could attack again.

Although he was a tad overzealous in some of his attempts to recover possession, which saw him earn a yellow card and commit two fouls, Fonseca would've loved seeing his intent.

Shifting the focus to his offensive work, and the prospect offered plenty of encouragement here too, with his power running, composure and dynamism causing the away side many headaches.

So calm on the ball and aware of his surroundings, it was wonderful how smoothly he coped under pressure to still execute his actions. Whether weaving away from harriers with his evasive dribbling and nifty ball control or finding a pass to outfox his foes, how he kept a cool head was impressive.

As soon as an opportunity to drive forward presented itself, he duly took it. Due to Pedro dragging his man infield, this meant Calafiori could make the most of the vacant spaces and be isolated 1v1 with his man. From such situations, his crafty ball carrying saw him drive into the box and down the line on many occasions.

While he predominantly kept things simple with his passing, recycling possession among his midfielders and defenders while waiting for a weakness to exploit, he notably hit some crisp passes into the feet of his attackers and slid some accurate through balls in behind.

Not afraid to back himself on the ball, right from the off he demonstrated he wasn't afraid to unleash venomous shots from distance. After launching a couple of range finders, Calafiori would go onto score an absolute screamer in the 59th minute.

Noticing the loose ball following a miscued clearance, he steadied himself before connecting sublimely from 25 years to rifle his first time finish into the top corner.

Calafiori's movement was another feature of his play. Adding width and depth to attacks while stretching the opposition rearguard horizontally and vertically, he timed his runs shrewdly. Be it receiving switches of play or bursting into the box, he caused constant problems for his markers.

An important byproduct of his runs arose from how it created a disconnect between the Young Boys right wing back and nearby central defender for an attacker or a midfield runner from deep to exploit.

The examples below offer a testament to how effectively he pinned opponents to generate openings.

By the numbers, his five shots, five ball recoveries, four progressive dribbles, three interceptions, three clearances and three touches inside the box further demonstrated his influence.

Exuding immense maturity that belies his tender years, Calafiori stepped up and took his chance with both hands. In the process, he not only depicted what a bright future lies ahead for him, but also that he can handle the senior level and that he's ready to impact whenever Fonseca calls upon him.