Opinion: Mayoral steps in and makes another point

Playing Spezia for the second time in a matter of days, Roma atoned for their loss in the Coppa Italia by defeating La Aquilotti 4-3 in a thriller at the Olimpico on Saturday afternoon.

In a game full of ups and downs, where Borja Mayoral bagged a brace and Rick Karsdorp and Lorenzo Pellegrini grabbed one apiece, it was a real positive see Mayoral once again grasp his opportunity to impress.

Proving himself once more to be an excellent replacement for Edin Dzeko, the Spaniard now has eight goals in all competitions (just one behind Dzeko), as he's currently playing with so much confidence this season after a slow start.

Causing Spezia constant headaches with his movement, this served as a fine platform from which to undertake his work. To start with his runs in behind and into the box, and the timing and directing of his movement were crucial towards his success.

Gaining separation from his markers prior to getting on his bike, this meant defenders struggled to impede his runs and stop his momentum.

Indeed, his two goals owed much to his knowledge of what spaces to attack and when to make his move.

The first saw him peel off his markers smartly (and also not interfere directly with play) to subsequently latch onto Pellegrini's excellent assist to finish with aplomb.

Then, his second saw him motor ahead after initially being involved earlier in the passage to receive Jordan Veretout's pass. After a razor sharp first touch, he then breezed past Julian Chabot with his second touch before then applying a sensational finish with his third touch.

Instinctive, clinical and full of quality, this sequence encapsulated the quality and confidence he currently possesses.

The Real Madrid loanee's nifty checks towards the ball were similarly effective. Picking his moments nicely when to drop deep, he was able to generate important 3v2 overloads in central midfield.

In doing so, this helped the Giallorossi progress through the thirds and gain some essential control.

Once on the ball with his back to goal, he demonstrated good composure by linking play with some super flicks and one touch passes. The most prominent example of this arrived in the lead up to Roma's third, where his intuitive one-touch backheel set off Leonardo Spinazzola, who then supplied Karsdorp.

Moreover, how he used his body to protect the ball before either weaving out of trouble with an evasive dribble or holding up the play while he waited for an option was a further highlight.

A vital by-product of his drops towards midfield also come from how they manufactured room for the likes of Pellegrini or Carles Perez due to Mayoral's man typically following him deeper.

After another outstanding showing at centre forward, Mayoral was delighted he could play a role in the exciting victory.

“I am ready to help the team in every game," he said.

"I missed a few chances in the last match but today I scored. That’s the life of a striker.

“We are united, we are working hard every week. We’ve lost two important games recently but today it was all about getting the three points.”

Although he's only played around half of the minutes of Dzeko this season (918 to 1843), there's no doubt he provides plenty to Roma when he's out there.

Offering a different level of mobility and speed than the Bosnian, this allows Roma to stretch the space between the lines, which produces some big openings for the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pedro, Pellegrini and Perez to exploit.

Clearly happy at Roma and enjoying working under the tactically sophisticated Fonseca, it's been wonderful to see him flourishing in the capital.

Going from strength-to-strength this campaign, he's gone from very much second choice to Dzeko to being an exceptional option both coming off the bench or starting matches.

And for that credit must not only go to Fonseca for placing his faith in him but also to Mayoral for his exceptional mentality, to keep striving to develop his craft in order to maximise his opportunities.

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