The Giallorossi manager has earned plaudits for Gianluca Mancini’s midfield transformation, and subsequent performances feed back from that...

In mid-October Roma were decimated with injuries, leaving a hole in the midfield which needed to be filled.

At this point, the Giallorossi were only 10 games into the Serie A season, and there didn’t seem to be much cause for great optimism - especially considering the fact the busiest stretches loomed on the calendar.

With six matches in three weeks, it looked to be difficult times for Fonseca. At this time, there was one fit and healthy midfielder in the ranks; Jordan Veretout.

Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante, and Amadou Diawara were all not expected back before November. Despite rumours neither Jack Rodwell nor Marcel Buchel were drafted in to fix the situation, instead, Fonseca had another idea - one which nobody expected.

The Portuguese tactician decided to play defender Mancini further forward in a defensive midfield role alongside Veretout. Not only did it turn out to be a shrewd and bold move, it has created a new player in the ranks.

Mancini has blossomed in the role and it was a masterstroke by Fonseca and a gamble which paid off. The young Italian defender has thrived every since. His aggressive nature and passing ability suited Fonseca’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.