Mats Hummels is awaiting his first minutes of play at AS Roma. There are reasons why the world champion is not yet on the pitch.
For the third consecutive match, Mats Hummels was left on the bench at AS Roma. He did not play in the last two league games or in the Europa League match against Athletic Bilbao (1-1). It’s clear that Hummels is unhappy with his current situation as a substitute. But what are the reasons for this?
The 35-year-old is currently facing the consequences of joining the Roma squad late in the summer, beginning his tenure in September. By that time, the first three matchdays of the Italian Serie A season had already occurred.
Despite working hard over the summer, Hummels has been grappling with a training deficit, according to SPORTS1 information. Primarily, Hummels missed out on team training after leaving Borussia Dortmund, and new Roma coach Ivan Juric indicates he still needs a few more percent of fitness.
Change of coach delays Hummels’ debut
The coaching change at AS Roma hasn’t helped Hummels either. Juric’s predecessor, Daniele De Rossi, who was dismissed on September 18, was a strong advocate for signing Hummels.
The former Dortmund player likely would have played his first minutes under the club legend since De Rossi fully trusted Hummels’ abilities. This trust stemmed partly from De Rossi’s background as a defensive midfielder, where he prioritized defensive efforts—Hummels was envisioned as a central figure.
Furthermore, De Rossi was still active as a senior footballer until he retired at 36, so he understands the value of experience, composure on the ball, and overall awareness—qualities that define Hummels as a central defender. Now under Juric, Hummels must re-establish himself.
Hummels’ comeback is imminent
However, Hummels’ anticipated debut with Roma is on the horizon. The world champion might finally take the field for his new club this Sunday against Venice, especially as his skills are in high demand.
AS Roma recently squandered a 1-0 lead late in two games, with the goals conceded following a recurring pattern. In the week, Bilbao equalized with a header from a free kick to make the final score 1-1.
AS Roma experienced a similar situation in their previous league match against Genoa. They led for a long time but conceded a late equalizer in the sixth minute of stoppage time, again off a header, this time from a cross.
In these scenarios, Hummels would have proven valuable with his aerial strength and composure in challenging situations. Perhaps the new coach in Rome has recognized this as well.
Mats Hummels Awaits AS Roma Debut: Reasons Behind His Absence
For the third consecutive match, Mats Hummels was left on the bench at AS Roma, missing out on the last two Serie A games and Europa League action against Athletic Bilbao (1-1). His dissatisfaction as a reservist is palpable, but what are the underlying factors contributing to his absence from play?
Late Transfer Impacting Hummels’ Playing Time
At 35 years old, Mats Hummels is currently grappling with the implications of joining AS Roma later in the summer transfer window, specifically in early September. This timing coincided with the completion of the first three matchdays in the Italian Serie A, severely limiting his opportunities to seamlessly integrate into the team.
Notably, despite his relentless training efforts over the summer, a SPORTS1 report indicates that Hummels is struggling with a training backlog and fitness issues, exacerbated by missing team practices following his exit from Borussia Dortmund. New AS Roma coach Ivan Juric has yet to see Hummels reach a significant percentage of his requisite fitness level.
Coaching Changes: A Setback for Hummels
The coaching transition at AS Roma has not favored Hummels’ integration. Former coach Daniele De Rossi, who was dismissed on September 18, was a strong advocate for Hummels’ recruitment. Under De Rossi’s management, Hummels was poised to play a key role due to his extensive defensive capabilities.
De Rossi, who had an extensive career as a defensive midfielder, recognized the essential attributes Hummels offered, including experience, composure on the ball, and an overall strategic overview—qualities crucial for a center-back. Now, under Juric, Hummels faces a renewed challenge to validate his place within the squad.
The Urgent Need for Hummels’ Qualities
However, Hummels’ much-anticipated debut is on the horizon. AS Roma’s upcoming match against Venezia presents an opportunity for the world champion to showcase his talents, especially given the current strife in the team’s performance.
Recent Match Performance Analysis
AS Roma has struggled of late, particularly with preserving leads during matches. Twice recently, they surrendered a 1-0 lead late in games. For instance, in their Europa League fixture against Bilbao, a late equalizer resulted from a defensive lapse after a free kick, ending in a 1-1 draw.
Similar defensive vulnerabilities were noted in the Serie A match against Genoa, where the Romans allowed an equalizer in the sixth minute of additional time, again from a header following a cross. Hummels’ aerial prowess and calm demeanor in critical situations could have made a significant difference in these matches.
Fitness and Tactical Adjustments Ahead of Debut
As Mats Hummels prepares for his debut, several factors will be pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition onto the pitch:
- Peak Fitness Levels: It remains crucial for Hummels to rapidly enhance his fitness levels to meet competitive match standards.
- Tactical Adaptation: Understanding Juric’s defensive strategies and philosophy will be essential for Hummels to integrate with his new teammates.
- Building Chemistry: Forming effective partnerships with fellow defenders to enhance coordination and decision-making under pressure is vital.
Potential Impact of Hummels’ Experience
The vast experience that Mats Hummels brings from his illustrious career can significantly bolster AS Roma’s backline. His calmness under pressure and ability to read the game make him an invaluable asset, especially in critical match scenarios.
Key Attributes of Mats Hummels
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Defensive Expertise | Exceptional skill in intercepting passes and tackling opponents. |
| Aerial Strength | Proficiency in winning headers during set pieces and duels. |
| Leadership Qualities | Ability to organize the defense and guide younger players. |
| Game Intelligence | Excellent positional awareness and decision-making. |
Anticipated Match-Up and Future Prospects
Looking forward, Hummels’ integration into the starting eleven could lead to considerable improvements within AS Roma’s defensive framework. His debut match against Venezia will set the tone for his current chapter in Serie A.
The coming weeks will be a critical period for Mats Hummels, as he strives not only to make his long-awaited debut but also to cement his position as a fundamental player in AS Roma’s quest for consistency and success in both league and European competitions.
