Perotti: Nainggolan, Roma's Best

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Post on Jan 24, 2025

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Perotti: Nainggolan, Roma's Best? A Giallorosso's Take

Okay, so, let's talk about Radja Nainggolan. Man, what a player he was. I mean, seriously. For a while there, he was the heart and soul of Roma. The title says Perotti thinks he was Roma's best, and honestly? I kinda get it. But it's complicated. This isn't just about goals and assists, it's about feeling.

Remember that 2016-2017 season? Unreal. Nainggolan was everywhere. He was the engine, the pitbull, the guy who could unleash a thunderbolt from 30 yards. That's the Nainggolan I remember most vividly. He was a warrior. A true leader on the field.

<h3>The Nainggolan Era: A Rollercoaster of Emotion</h3>

My memories are a bit fuzzy, but I distinctly remember one game against Lazio – a derby, naturally. The atmosphere was electric, you know? The tension was palpable. We were down 1-0, and then boom – Radja scores this absolute screamer. Pure magic. The stadium erupted. I was jumping up and down, screaming my head off. It was one of those moments that just makes you fall in love with football all over again.

But then there were the lows... the injuries, the suspensions... it felt like we were constantly on a rollercoaster. One minute we were flying high, the next we were crashing down. His temperament could be... intense, let's just say. Sometimes that fire got the best of him. That's something that's really important to keep in mind when evaluating his impact on the team.

<h3>Beyond Goals and Assists: The Intangibles</h3>

Perotti's assessment is interesting because it goes beyond just the raw stats. It's about influence. It's about that intangible quality that some players possess – the ability to lift the team, to inspire their teammates. Nainggolan had that in spades.

You know, I’ve always thought that evaluating a player solely on goals and assists is too simplistic. A lot of it is about leadership, the ability to motivate the team, and that certain je ne sais quoi. And Nainggolan had that. He was a leader, whether he wore the captain's armband or not.

Now, comparing him to other great Roma players—Totti, De Rossi—is a whole other ballgame. Those guys were legends, different types of leaders, built the foundation. Nainggolan played a different role but was just as crucial during his time. It's not that Nainggolan was better than Totti or De Rossi, but he was essential during his period at Roma.

<h3>Practical Advice from a Roma Fanatic</h3>

So, what did I learn from watching Nainggolan? A few things:

• Passion is key: But channel that passion effectively, don’t let it boil over and hurt the team.
• Work ethic matters: The guy was a machine. His fitness and commitment were unparalleled. That’s something all players can learn from.
• Leadership isn’t always about the armband: He lead by example, on the pitch, every single game. He was an inspiration.

Looking back, the Nainggolan era was a wild ride. Full of highs, lows, and unforgettable moments. Was he Roma's best ever? That's a debate for the ages. But his impact on the team and the club—it’s undeniable. He’s a legend in his own right. And that's what matters most. Forza Roma!