[Forzaabruzzo]

As a die-hard Romanista to the core, I love il Capitano just as much as anyone else. At the same time though it has become painfully obvious that age, combined with a series of extensive injuries over teh past few years have simply taken a lot out our beloved captain. With this in mind, it has become just as obvious that he no longer has the legs or physical capabilities to still be playing in that role of lone striker, especially not for a full 90+ minutes!

Granted, this is in many way's "Totti's team", and the very idea of subbing him off early, or playing him in a role that he may not want to play in would somehow almost be blasphemous in a city where his importance is rivaled only by the Pope (even that's debatable though lol). At the same time though, the best interests of the squad/club have to be taken into consideration and be made the top priority!

Unfortunately, I don't see him willing to make such a compromise though seeing as how he a)wants to hit 200 goals before he retires (somewhat of a selfish motive if you ask me), b)doesn't want to have to revert to playing the trequartista role again as it demands more running than he's capable of doing these days, and c) doesn't feel that he of all people should be getting subbed off early. The fact that the fans (particularly the ultras) wouldn't hold back in voicing their anger towards Ranieri for "unjust" treatment of our beloved talisman doesn't help matters much either.

If Totti just isn't able to produce in that capacity, then we need to seek other alternatives and try new means in order to spark this team's production. Otherwise, with Francesco dominated that CF role, and for a full 90 minutes no less, I only continue to see us struggling this season. If other players on the squad are expected to make certain sacrifices for the sake of the squad as a whole, then I don't see why Totti, who is our captain and leader, shouldn't be expected to do the same as well and lead by example.

[DDR]

He needs to go back to playing as a trequartista, end of story as far as I'm concerned. I disagree that he can't play in that role, I think his current role hinders him more. He doesn't have the pace to stretch opponents and allow the team to rise fast enough. Moving him back behind the strikers would allow that duty to fall to Mirko, who is very good at it.

Keeping him in an a center forward position just doesn't make sense.

[Grazie]

Physically he isn't strong enough to cope with the defenders anymore. Injuries and age have done that too him and I would like to see him play trequartista and have Julio and Mirko play as the strikers.

But I think it is time to start winding down with Totti now and start searching for somebody who can became a long term replacement for him. I don't want to see Totti as first choice striker in 3 seasons time, I want to see him as a club player in 3 seasons time.

[Forzaabruzzo]

Originally Posted by Grazie

Physically he isn't strong enough to cope with the defenders anymore. Injuries and age have done that too him and I would like to see him play trequartista and have Julio and Mirko play as the strikers.

But I think it is time to start winding down with Totti now and start searching for somebody who can became a long term replacement for him. I don't want to see Totti as first choice striker in 3 seasons time, I want to see him as a club player in 3 seasons time.

This was likely the main motivation behind SPalletti so desperately asking for a qualify center forward to be brought in. With the acquisition of a striker, Totti would no longer be depending on the carry the load that came with such a role, which would have been filled with someone that actually fit the role!

At this point though having Totti out there in that position and playing for ridiculously long periods like he has been just doesn't make any sense. He is becoming easier for opposing defenders to mark and contain due to his lack of mobility and strength, and at the same time he is also sacrificing the strongest aspect of his game, which is his vision and playmaking ability, as he no longer has the time and space to make the most of it.

[Forza_Totti]

I loved how the game started against Siena....Totti was the "lone" striker...but we saw runs from Perrotta, Brighi inside the box. This allowed for Totti to play as the trequartista and also as a playmaker. But, i assume Ranieri will utilize Mirko as well with Totti upfront. I don't mind what position Totti plays bc he's great at any position. He's not the typical back to goal striker like a Toni...but, he can adjust himself bc he has that vision.

[DDR]

There is nothing to love about Simone "lead feet" Perrotta runs.

[Forza_Totti]

He's got to be able to score eventually...i couldn't believe he missed that chance from 8 yards out. Damn you Simone...some things never change.

[zako]

Simone has always had the most chance of all Roma players...but he never scored much...which means that he has "lead feet" and you can not do anything about that...But why does he get so many chances??? Could be a poll
1) His vision of football is great and runs just where he could be needed
2) Has luck and appears where the ball comes

[Forzaabruzzo]

Originally Posted by Forza_Totti

He's got to be able to score eventually...i couldn't believe he missed that chance from 8 yards out. Damn you Simone...some things never change.

Hence why I hate getting him too involved in the attack, particularly when he's played in an advanced role. The guy honestly doesn't have any of the characteristics of an attacking mid, but coaches seem to think he does. I'd much rather just use him to his strengths and play him as a holding mid that can provide some much needed defensive stability.

[Forza_Totti]

Coaches love him for his work ethic. He's like a Gutusso. All heart and lead feet. I want to give Perrotta some more time to get back in the swing of things...he's been out for a long time, so he needs some time to adjust. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for a few more games.