The young guns have been ripping the football world to shreds lately, what with the way the game has changed in only a few short years. Italian clubs have a penchant for retaining veteran players for the wisdom and expertise that comes with age.
However, the Italian youths lack of playing time is something seldom discussed. Indeed, this is a major problem that needs fixing.
The Italian national team is full of grizzled veterans, but the fresh perspective and boundless ambition of the squads youthful players are undeniably the way of the future. Given the dominance of teenagers across the globe in football, every Italian club should be largely comprised of homegrown players.
Edoardo Bove established himself as a key cog in José Mourinhos long-term plans during the 2021–2022 campaign, scoring once in thirteen games the year before. He was an essential part of the team.
Bove was often utilised by Mourinho to inject some much-needed life into the squad in the final minutes, but he never let the Portuguese manager down when given the nod to start.
Daniele De Rossi was the first adolescent the Stadio Olimpico had ever seen go to such lengths to preserve the badge, and he gave all he had. There have never been sky-high expectations for Bove, but he is still seen as a talented young player with a chance at cracking the main squad.
By being included in Mourinhos midfield plans for Roma, 20-year-old Bove has taken the first step toward realising his dream of becoming the next superstar.
Boves career at AS Roma will be the subject of this tactical analysis that takes into account all of his moves. This analysis serves as a scout report to assist determine whether or not Bove will be an integral part of Mourinhos tactics in the years to come.
Player profile
Bove, a naturally right-footed midfielder, began his football career with the Roman team Boreale Donorione and remained there until 2012 when he joined Roma after a trial season. Bove signed a contract extension to remain with Roma until 2024 on November 20 of that year.
In the Europa League encounter against Young Boys, Bove was called up to the first team for the first time without making his debut.
Bove is an attacking insertion specialist and a tactically disciplined midfielder with a keen eye for the goal. To put it simply, Bove knows how to win games. Thanks to his transformation, he could play in deep or advanced roles in the midfield with uncanny precision.
Bove is reminiscent of some of the silent players combined with a pinch of physicality and fidelity. His movements make him a bit more of an advanced playmaker in a deeper position.
The accompanying heat map displays his frequent movement throughout the playing area. In spite of his defensive positioning, he brings an attacking mentality and some clarity to the team.
While Boves early career saw him mostly operating as an attacking midfielder, the club now intends to use him more defensively. Although he can play in any position in the midfield, his recent deal with his dream club was based on his ball-winning abilities in a deeper role.
In terms of raw skill, he i
