Opinion: What Sergio Oliveira will offer Mourinho's Roma

With Jose Mourinho eager to add some reinforcements in central midfield this transfer window, the signing of his compatriot Sergio Oliveira certainly helps in this regard - complementing the arrival of utility man Ainsley Maitland-Niles last week.

Joining from FC Porto on an initial loan, the Portuguese international will bring bite, tenacity, leadership and technical quality to Roma's ranks.

Having previously plied his trade in Belgium, Greece and France to test himself away from his homeland, the move to Italy is an exciting next chapter in his career.

"It’s amazing to be here at this great club,” Oliveira said.

“Roma have always shown a real interest in me and now I want to try and immediately help the team to achieve all its targets and continue to develop the right mentality. I am certain that my new teammates, alongside whom I cannot wait to start working, will help me continue to improve too.”

While he's a solid contributor on the defensive end, which he illustrated working under the feisty and disciplined Sergio Conceicao at Porto, and is competent at regaining possession through his intense pressing, tackling and by positioning himself smartly to chime in with interceptions, his best work is definitely done when his team have possession.

Coming off his best goalscoring season of his time as a professional in 2020-21, where he bagged a remarkable 20 goals in all competitions, this aspect of his game is a massive asset.

An exceptional ball striker, who excels at shooting from range, many Italian football fans will remember his incredible free kick goal against Juventus that knocked the Old Lady out of the Champions League last term.

Striking the ball with venom and getting plentiful dip and swerve on his shots, goalkeepers find it tough facing efforts from him both from open play and dead balls. The fact he is an outstanding penalty taker and strikes some quality corners and set pieces all over enhances his menace.

Set to bring a major goal threat from midfield with his well timed runs into the final third as well, just like Jordan Veretout currently does for Roma, this is another dimension to his game.

Possessing a slick first touch and good ball control, this, in combination with his awareness, ensures he quickly gets the ball under wraps to set himself to shoot or execute his passes while being awake to nearby opponents.

Oliveira's dribbling also helps him weave out of danger in close quarters, spin away from danger, carry the ball upfield successfully or breeze by opponents with crafty maneuvers. In addition, how he adjusts his receiving posture to protect the ball, uses his strength to maintain balance while withstanding pressure and draws markers to create a free man or open passing lanes are further upsides.

The 29-year-old supplements the above with his excellent distribution over short, medium and longer distances. Capable of setting up chances for his teammates in a range of ways, his vision, capacity to read the play and range of passing see him pose constant danger.

Adept at obliging runners with through balls on the ground and in the air, once he spots a runner, he doesn't hesitate to strike his passes. Measuring and weighting his passes accurately for teammates to latch onto, Porto's forwards regularly benefitted from his service.

The fact he ranks in the top 15% for shot creating actions (2.76 per 90) and top 31% for expected assists (0.09 p90) compared to players in his position across Europe's top five leagues underlines his prowess here (stats from FBRef).

His playmaking abilities from midfield extend to when he plays penetrative line breaking passes to beat the press or find attackers to feet. Moreover, if the more expansive option isn't viable, he's shown the composure to switch the angle of attacks and recycle possession while waiting for a weakness in the opposition block.

Tying everything together with his movement, Oliveira's positional understanding helps him find space during build up to help his team bypass or work around the press.

Whether dropping in between central defenders, operating in true central midfield zones or pushing wide or into the half spaces, he knows where to move to help his team gain numerical or positional superiority.

It's important to note when he does drop deeper or wider that this gives him extra time and space to assess his options to help dictate the play or launch some incisive upfield passes. Another positive attached to this is that it gives his team structural security in case of a turnover to support the defence or counterpress if possible.

As his team moves through the thirds, his aforementioned runs into the box become a major threat. Timing his runs superbly to take advantage of gaps between markers and when opponents are preoccupied, he provides an ideal option for crosses, cutbacks or through balls. This is a key reason why he ranks in the top 28% for touches inside the box p90 (1.53).

Set to bring additional impetus in midfield areas for the Giallorossi, especially in terms of goals and passing incision, the well-rounded midfielder is a very handy acquisition indeed.

"Sergio Oliveira is a player that will add quality and character to our squad,” said the club's General Manager, Tiago Pinto.

“He has won a lot during his career and has gained experience at the highest levels, representing both his club and his country in some of the most important competitions in the world. His desire to join Roma was decisive in us being able to find an agreement: we believe it is very important that we continue to bring in players that are eager to play for this club.”

Desperate to impose himself on Serie A immediately and so accustomed to adapting to life at new teams in different countries, there's every reason to suggest the experienced, mentally strong Oliveira will hit the ground running in Rome too.

Follow Edward Stratmann on Twitter: @EdwardStratmann