Opinion: Strootman puts past behind him to brighten Roma's future

Our columnist looks at the encouraging return to action of midfielder Kevin Strootman, and what it could mean for Roma next season…

"I'm delighted. I've been able to play 90 minutes today and now I want to get back to 100 percent because I still have to improve. I'm grateful to Spalletti because he has put his faith in me, but so too have the other midfielders.

"I'll probably be a wreck tomorrow but I'm fine now. It means a lot and I'm delighted.”

These were the words of Roma’s powerhouse, Kevin Strootman, who put in an impressive, all-action display at the heart of midfield in Roma's entertaining 3-2 win over Genoa, in what was his first start for the club in 463 days.

Having required three surgeries on a torn cruciate knee ligament, it has certainly been a hugely challenging period on the sidelines for the imposing Dutchman, but his mental strength and exemplary attitude has seen him overcome the numerous obstacles that have been thrown in his path to work his way back into first-team action.

Strootman marked the occasion by putting in a customarily forceful yet incisive showing. The 26-year-old got the basics spot on throughout; never doing anything too expansive, instead he seemed to pick out the right option to help his team at any given situation.

On the attacking side, he stroked the ball around crisply and purposefully, playing a key role in facilitating possession for Luciano Spalletti's team. Expect his confidence to rise in this regard as he gets more minutes under his belt, but his two key passes and the fact he completed roughly 90% of his 59 attempted passes showed his undeniable quality on the ball remains.

Moreover, his relentless work rate and spatial recognition saw him persistently able to find space in which to be a terrific outlet for his teammates to utilise.

Defensively he added plenty of bite and grit to the Giallorossi's stopping efforts, physically imposing himself on the contest from the outset. In particular, the talented Suso, his direct opponent for the most part, bore the brunt of his attention, as Strootman made life very difficult for the former Liverpool man due to his hard-nosed approach.

In addition, the way he challenged manfully in aerial battles, slid across to cover for his fullback when required, and remained positionally sound throughout, only served to amplify his fine defensive contribution.

After the match, Roma's legendary captain Francesco Totti was full of praise for his colleague, saying: "This is a beautiful win tonight, and in particular it is a win for Kevin -- a great man and a great champion."

Strootman subsequently made a point of thanking the club and its fans for sticking by him during his challenging time on the sidelines.

"I've been constantly supported here and I want to give them something in return, I want to play," he told Roma Radio.

“I have to thank everyone – the coaches, the club, the directors and also my team-mates who have been a part of it all. I'm speechless, I intend on showing my gratitude on the pitch."

Although it is still only early days in his comeback from injury, Monday’s game underlined that the return of a fully-fit Strootman will be a massive addition to Spalletti's squad. If he can build up his fitness and get a full pre-season under his belt, next season he will ostensibly be like a new signing within this already talented squad.

With Roma hoping to challenge Juventus for the Serie A title next term, a 100% fit Strootman could be prove a vital additional weapon in the armoury.