Roma’s latest signing needs little introduction. Marten De Roon has played for Atalanta for 10 of the past 11 seasons, often coming up against Roma in that time.
The only season in that timespan he didn’t spend with Atalanta was 2016-17, when he played for Middlesbrough instead.
Thus, his arrival at the Olimpico marks a colliding of worlds for Roma and Boro fan Thomas Morgan, who now sees De Roon become the first player to have represented both of his clubs since Mido.
Here’s how Tom reflects on De Roon’s journey from his season in North Yorkshire to his arrival in the Eternal City.
How quickly did De Roon make an impression on you at Middlesbrough?
Pretty much from the off, he was an exciting player for us to get and tipped for getting into the Dutch team when we signed him. Plus coming from Serie A, albeit starting to lose its sparkle, from an Atalanta side that was starting to do well brought many fans memories of the club’s heyday from the late 90s to mid 00s.
What’s your lasting memory of him in a Boro shirt?
1-1 draw vs City at the Etihad. Only team City haven’t beaten in 90 minutes within the league since the takeover!! … Or something like that, don’t fact check me.
Were you surprised when he got the chance to join Atalanta, or by how long he’s stayed there?
I’m not surprised really, La Dea seemed not excited about selling him on but the money was good for the time and had bonuses if we stayed up. He was always going to go back and not languish in the Championship and I’m not surprised by how well he has done and how loved and admired he is within bergamaschi.
Has your view of him changed at all during these years he’s been an opponent to Roma?
Not at all, he’s a magical player. You can’t not like him.
What’s his biggest strength in your opinion?
His biggest strength would be a bit like Thomas Müller, turning up in the right place at the right time. He reads the game well and is a good passer of the ball. He also always gives his all.
And finally, who does he have to surpass as your favourite shared former Roma and Boro player?
There’s not many but Festa and Branca were fantastic players for Boro more than I think Roma.
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