Garcia: Roma’s Nainggolan is a ‘force of nature’

Date: 17th June 2015 at 7:41pm
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Rudi Garcia stated Radja Nainggolan is a crucial part of Roma’s next Serie A campaign, as well as the future of the club.

The 27-year-old midfielder has been linked with Premier League sides in previous weeks, which are rumored to be making a bid for his services. However, both Garcia and Roma president James Pallotta are keen to keep Nainggolan at Roma.

An outstanding season for Roma, which included five goals and two assists from midfield, helped the club secure automatic qualification for Champions League next season.

Garcia, whose position had previously been under scrutiny due to a number of poor performances throughout the second half of the season, explained how important Nainggolan’s impact was for his team.

“I rely on Nainggolan for next season, he is a leader,” Garcia told France Football.

“There aren’t many players who can press and take the ball away from the feet of the opponents like he can. He’s very strong in duels and has a great ability to win the ball back and start attacks.

“He is a true force of nature, with a great mentality and character of a winner. He’s a leader.”

The French coach, who arrived at Rome in 2013, went on to compare Nainggolan to other players who play key roles for their respective teams.

“Like [Marco] Verratti at PSG or [Arturo] Vidal at Juventus, he is a box-to-box player: a player that you know will push forward and fit in well with other players. He enjoys freedom, which is needed for him to express his potential.”

The Roma Boss also hinted at a possible midfield formation for next season before explaining the Belgian still has a lot more to give.

“If you play two in-front of defence with a player who is slower but more intelligent such as (Daniele) De Rossi, you get the perfect couple,” Garcia said.

“He [Nainggolan] is 27-years-old and a lot of people have only taken notice of him now, but he still has a lot of talent to show.

“He is a player who we will really count on for next season.”

 

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