Prior to the New Year, Roma’s defense was the strongest and most reliable in Italy, ranking among Europe’s best. However, in recent weeks, that reputation has significantly declined as the Giallorossi have conceded numerous goals: three against Juve, two each against Genoa and Como, and five against Inter.
Yes, they kept clean sheets against Lecce and Pisa, but both teams are low in the standings, and Roma faced them at the Olimpico. Even Ivan Juric could have kept a clean sheet in those matches!
The two late goals against Juve and the underwhelming performance versus Inter were setbacks and marked yet another low point in a typical Roman rollercoaster season.
Not all of those conceded goals are necessarily Svilar’s fault. Since February, players such as Celik, Mancini, Ghilardi, Ndicka, and Hermoso have all gone through tough patches. However, the key difference is that, in the past, Mile would usually step in to rescue the situation—a quick reflex save here, a miracle one-on-one stop there, positioning himself well, and being reliable on corners.
Recently, there has been some minor criticism of Svilar, emerging for the first time in years. This is still surprising because Svilar is still a top 3 goalkeeper in Serie A, and Roma should be grateful he’s still with the team. Sure, some of those goals might have been preventable. We’re being picky, but that’s only because Mile has set such a high standard for Roman goalkeepers.
To be fair, Roma fans are a bit spoiled. We’re used to players like Rui ‘Pasticcio’, Pau Lopez, and Olsen. Svilar is our best goalkeeper since Alisson, and although his recent games haven’t been as outstanding, he still has 14 clean sheets this season. That’s better than Maignan, Di Gregorio, or Milinkovic-Savic and as good as Sommer.
Must Roma suddenly sacrifice Svilar this summer to fund the transfer market? Hello no! Aside from Wesley (and soon Malen), he’s the only player I consider untouchable. I’m willing to sell Koné, Soulé, and Ndicka if needed. As I mentioned, Svilar is the first top goalkeeper we’ve had since Alisson left in 2018. It took over six years to find a solid alternative. And at 26, he’s still approaching his prime.
Besides, Roma has had less trouble replacing center-backs or midfielders lately. They always seem to find one or two good players in places around Europe or South America, and they can always pluck talent from other Serie A clubs.
A keeper is usually a gamble. If the new one doesn’t succeed, Roma is stuck with him for a year or so, while you can still interchange personnel in defense or attack. Who else is available internally? Gollini? Zelezny? Good luck securing a top 4 finish.
People should relax and let this ‘lesser moment’ pass. You’ll see that Svilar will quickly return to his usual exceptional form.
