Opinion: Mkhitaryan answers call from more central position

With AS Roma going through something of a personnel crisis in midfield due to injuries and suspension, it's been impressive how smoothly Henrikh Mkhitaryan has slotted in as Jose Mourinho has been forced to shuffle his pack.

Looking right at home in central midfield, the Armenian's excellent recent form has vindicated his manager's decision to play him there.

Bagging two assists in his last three games and finding his best form of the campaign since playing in this new position, Mkhitaryan's clearly enjoying himself in deeper areas.

Indeed, it was interesting to hear the 32-year-old even state that he prefers his new post more than his typical attacking one.

"Yes, it is (the midfield role) more comfortable. But the most important thing is to help the team. I do what the coach asks of me," he said.

Mourinho's recent praise of him, and also Carles Perez, who's shone lately in a less familiar, more central midfield role as well, will have boosted their confidence too while showing Mourinho their versatility and adaptability.

“We didn’t have Cristante or Veretout but Diawara had a good game, Mkhitaryan was amazing and Perez, who wasn’t playing in his real position, did well too. I am really pleased with the players, it’s a team win," Mourinho said after Sunday's triumph over Torino.

Serving as the catalyst for Mkhi to get back to a level resembling his best following some early season struggles, his intelligence, technical prowess and movement have ensured he's been a major offensive outlet.

So aware of when vacant spaces are available due to his head scanning and spatial awareness, this has seen him be an asset when supporting Roma's build up play and when finding spaces between the lines. Knowing when to move to draw opponents away to create space for others, form overloads or to achieve positional superiority, his presence has helped connect attacks efficiently.

Supplying his team with an option centrally or in the half spaces, there's no doubting his nous and reading of the play has not only been vital towards Roma progressing through the thirds but also key in allowing him more time and space to weave his magic in possession.

It's also been significant how he frequently finds room just behind the opposition midfield so he can receive in forward facing body postures. In doing so, this means he can immediately carry his momentum forward to attack the opposition's last line, which is far more advantageous and harder to defend than inheriting the ball with his back to goal.

Another way he's wreaked havoc has been through his marauding runs from deep. Picking his moments shrewdly to surge in behind upon identifying gaps in opposition backlines, these bursts have added another dimension to Roma's offensive forays.

Due to defenders usually being preoccupied, caught ball watching or wanting to remain in shape, Mkhitaryan's runs have given teammates a quality option while destabilising backlines.

Not needing many touches to influence proceedings, his output in possession has been positive too. Boasting a keen eye for a pass, crisp with his interplay in close quarters and recycling possession coherently, his distribution has been a plus.

Be it striking raking switches of play, hitting penetrative line breaking passes or crafty through balls in behind or down the channels, the way he's conjured openings has been notable.

A competent dribbler with a slick first touch and tidy control, the Armenian star's compounded issues for his foes with his aptitude in this regard. Able to gain separation from markers with nutmegs, shimmies, feints, razor sharp turns and via his searing initial acceleration, this has enhanced his danger.

His defensive exertions also deserve mention, for he's worked his socks for his team while adhering to his manager's demands. Disciplined and knowing exactly when to press, shift across or stay in shape to protect central zones, he's hardly put a foot wrong.

The match against Torino offered a fine example of his stopping expertise, where he chose precisely when to apply pressure to wide right sided centre back Koffi Djidji, nearby central midfielder Sasa Lukic or right wingback Wilfried Singo depending on the situation.

By the numbers from the last three games, his two assists, 10 completed (from 12 attempted) long passes, eight successful dribbles, 21 won defensive duels, 19 ball recoveries and 17 interceptions has illustrated his all-round contribution.

Putting in a real shift for the Giallorossi on both sides of the ball, it's little wonder Mourinho's been delighted with the experienced Mkhitaryan and how he's interpreted the role. The fact Roma have won all three of their games with him in the heart of midfield has been a testament to his high level.

Transferring his multifaceted skill set into playing as a mezzala wonderfully in the absence of many of Roma's regulars, Mkhitaryan's yet again underlined his quality to his teammates and his manager to step up and help his team when they need him.

Follow Edward Stratmann on Twitter: @EdStratmann