Analysis: Exploring Paulo Dybala's Likely Roma Role

Roma's capture of gifted Argentine Paulo Dybala is unquestionably a fantastic business and a real statement of intent for the season ahead.

Winning the race to sign the coveted Dybala, who was attracting interest from a host of elite clubs across Europe, the outrageously talented attacking midfielder will add another dimension to Roma offensive ranks.

Having emphatically proven his class throughout his time with Juventus, where he bagged an impressive 115 goals and supplied 48 assists in his 293 appearances, expect the 28-year-old to stamp his mark from the off in a league that he's extremely familiar with.

Joining as one of Serie A's premier players, the technical, silky smooth Dybala will superbly accompany Roma's already excellent frontline that includes the likes of Tammy Abraham, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Nicolo Zaniolo.

An absolute wizard with the ball at his feet, the man with an exceptional first touch and Velcro-like ball control wreaks havoc in possession due to his inventiveness, skill, awareness and decision making.

Scanning his surroundings thoroughly to gain a knowledge of where opponents, teammates and spaces are in relation to the ball, this gives him a fine foundation to know what to do next.

As a result, he knows if he can immediately turn, needs to protect the ball, hold things up, adjust his body position or move the ball on sharply.

Boasting a low centre of gravity and an electric turn of speed to weave away from danger, the fleet-footed, fast-thinking Dybala can expertly remain balanced while riding challenges and outfoxing markers.

Strong on the ball and so elusive, it's a joy to watch him in full flight, with him capable of beating opponents with razor sharp changes of pace and direction, slick shimmies, nifty stepovers, whirring cuts infield and smart stutter moves.

Executing his dribbles with such precision and speed, opponents often can't react quickly enough, thus ensuring he gains the separation he needs to impact proceedings. In addition, his ball carrying mastery often means adversaries commit multiple markers towards nullifying him, which consequently creates room for colleagues to be accessed directly or via a third man combination.

So press resistant, composed and oozing quality, his aptitude in this regard is punctuated by the fact he ranked in the 7% for progressive carries p90 (5.79 per 90) and top 12% for dribbles completed (1.59 p90) among players in his position across Europe's top five leagues.

Shifting the focus to his passing, and Dybala contributes just as effectively in this compartment. Blessed with eagle eye vision to spot teammates in advantageous locations and the confidence to attempt and, more often than not, complete expansive passes, his playmaking abilities will be a tremendous weapon for Roma.

Full of creativity and precision to breathe life into attacks and unlock backlines, the way he carves open defences with sheer moments of magic to oblige the movement of teammates is so vital. Whether combining intricately in close quarters with deft flicks and backheels, threading through balls in behind, hitting penetrative vertical and diagonal line breaking passes, switching the play with aplomb or striking tailored crosses and cutbacks, he has a pass to match any situation with his wand of a left foot.

Getting fundamentals spot on like finding targets on their preferred foot and weighting his passes ideally so they can comfortably inherit passes amplifies his worth.

It also warrants mention how he used his eyes and body posture to disguise his intentions before catching opponents off guard by hitting unexpected passes.

Always on hand to change a game in an instant with a moment of inspiration that few can conjure, the numbers underline his distribution prowess, for he rates in the top 2% for progressive passes (4.43 p90), top 4% for shot creating actions (4.20 p90), top 16% for assists (0.23 p90) and top 18% for expected assists (0.19 p90).

The distinctive ball striker's finishing elevates his threat level higher, with him able to find the back of the net in a variety of ways. So good at opening up his body so he can strike his shots with power, finesse and placement, in combination with his searing efforts using his short backlift, exquisite volleys, shrewd free kicks and ability to dink or go by the keeper 1v1, this compounds issues for his foes.

Tying everything together with his movement, Dybala's expertise ensures he picks up promising positions in between the lines and in the half spaces to connect play.

Alert to his surroundings and where the vacant spaces are, it's important to note how he relishes being afforded the freedom to drop into midfield, rotate with colleagues, burst in behind and isolate himself in wide areas.

Indeed, with Jose Mourinho expected to use either a 3-2-4-1 or a 4-2-3-1, both systems cater brilliantly to Dybala, for he can play as a No. 10 in either approach or out wide in the latter formation.

No matter what tactical shape is deployed, the prospect of Dybala linking up with Abraham, Pellegrini and Zaniolo is a mouthwatering one, for once they're up to speed with the tendencies of each other they will surely terrorise defences with their dovetailing.

Although the former Palermo starlet has had a share of injuries over the years, if he can stay fit - and last season he was still Juventus's seventh most used player in Serie A - there's every chance he can massively help propel Roma to the next level under the expert tutelage of Mourinho.

Set to be a real X-Factor for Roma this season, the five-time Serie A winner and former league MVP is unquestionably a huge acquisition - one that could elevate the Giallorossi right into the mix to secure a top four spot.

Follow Edward Stratmann on Twitter: @EdwardStratmann