As we have nearly reached the half way stage of the Serie B season, I thought it would be appropriate to rate how each member of the Torino squad has done so far this season. Let me know if you disagree with any of the ratings.
Ferdinando Coppola - 6
Coppola has had a mixed start to his Torino career, and he has certainly been at fault for a number of goals this campaign. That being said, it is hard to be too critical of a goalkeeper who has only conceded eleven goals in 20 matches this season.
Danilo D’Ambrosio - 6.5
After a disappointing 2010/11 season, D’Ambrosio has bounced back this campaign and has looked a much better player. There have previously been question marks over his defensive capabilities, but he has improved in that part of the game, and also popped up to score a vital winning goal against Reggina.
Matteo Darmian - 7
Darmian’s score would undoubtedly be much higher had he not suffered an injury against Bari in November. A solid right back who is a defender first and an attacker second, he also chipped in with a winning goal against Empoli in October.
Angelo Ogbonna - 8.5
Angelo finally made his long-awaited Italy debut in November, and if he continues his impressive performances in a Torino shirt there will certainly be many more to come. The talented centre back has hardly put a foot wrong this season, and was outstanding when Torino beat Sampdoria away from home in September.
Valerio Di Cesare - 6.5
The former Vicenza defender hasn’t always been an automatic starter in the team this season, but he has always done well when called upon. In the second half of the season, I would expect to see Di Cesare establish himself as a first choice centre back alongside Angelo Ogbonna.
Francesco Pratali - 6
One of the few players who remain from Torino’s Serie A days, Francesco Pratali is very much a reserve squad player nowadays. That being said, despite only appearing for 307 minutes so far this season, he hasn’t let anybody down when called upon.
Kamil Glik - 6
If I was compiling this list a week ago, Kamil Glik would probably have a higher score than this, but sadly his mistake against Modena is still fresh in the memory. A no-nonsense defender, the Polish defender did provide a valuable assist for Rolando Bianchi's winning goal against Juve Stabia.
Luciano Zavagno - 6
The experienced Argentinean has been second choice left back for much of this season but did provide a vital assist for Danilo D’Ambrosio’s winning goal against Reggina.
Alessandro Parisi - 6
The former Bari full back had a slow start to the season, as he took a while to regain his match fitness. However, he has improved with every game, and even scored the winning goal against Livorno.
Migjen Basha - 7.5
Albanian-Swiss midfielder Migjen Basha signed on loan from Atalanta in the summer, and he has proven to be a fantastic acquisition. A tough tackling player with boundless amounts of energy, Basha’s central midfield partnership with Manuel Iori has been one of the key factors in Torino’s success so far this season.
Manuel Iori - 7.5
It may be unfair to describe Manuel Iori as ‘a poor man’s Andrea Pirlo’ but it would be an accurate description for the deep-lying playmaker. His impressive performances have resulted in him being linked with a move to Fiorentina, so Toro will have to hope that they can keep a hold of him in January.
Biagio Pagano - 5
The former Livorno midfielder missed pre-season due to injury, and has hardly featured for Torino so far this campaign. Therefore, it may be a little unfair to give the winger such a low grade, but he hasn’t done anything of note in his 109 minutes on the pitch this season.
Alen Stevanovic - 7
The Serbian winger has been a revelation this season, and looks a different player to the one who was loaned out to Toronto last year. His incisive wing play has been one of the highlights of the season so far, and in the last game of 2011, he scored a goal of the season contender against Modena.
Giuseppe Vives - 6
The former Lecce captain has struggled to command a regular starting birth since signing in the summer. However, he has still made a vital contribution to the team when Giampiero Ventura has decided to play a 4-3-3 formation, and Vives was particularly impressive against Pescara in December.
Stefano Guberti - 6
Much was expected of Stefano Guberti when he signed on loan from Roma in the summer, but unfortunately, he suffered a serious injury after just four games of the season. The winger should return at some point in 2012, and his quality could be vital in the run-in.
Sergiu Suciu - 6
Romanian midfielder Suciu impressed on loan at Gubbio last season, and this campaign, he has finally been given a chance in the Torino first team. After scoring a vital equaliser against Sampdoria in September, he unfortunately suffered an injury in that match that sidelined him until recently. Whilst he probably won’t be a regular in the second half of the season, he could prove to be a useful member of the squad.
Juan Surraco - 5.5
The Uruguayan winger impressed on loan at Livorno last season, but has failed to replicate that form in a Torino shirt since he signed in the summer. However, it can be said that he has rarely looked fully fit, and the Winter break could give him an opportunity to regain his fitness.
Nnamdi Oduamadi - 6
Pacey winger Nnamdi Oduamadi signed on loan from AC Milan in the summer, and he had a perfect start to his Torino career by scoring the winner against Ascoli on the opening day. Since that game, the Nigerian has struggled with injuries, but could prove to be an important player in 2012, especially by using his blistering pace against tiring defences.
Giuseppe De Feudis - 5.5
One of the few players who impressed last season, De Feudis was re-signed towards the end of the transfer window, but has had to make do with being a reserve player this campaign. The former Cesena player has only appeared in two matches this season, and may look to move on in January
Mirco Antenucci - 6
The former Catania player has found himself playing on the Left Wing on occasion this season due to a number of injuries and has done well in that position. However, he will probably be disappointed with his tally of just two goals in 19 matches, and will look to improve these statistics in the New Year.
Rolando Bianchi - 6.5
So far this season, Toro Captain Rolando Bianchi has been unable to find the net as regularly as he has done in the previous two seasons. However, he has still managed to score vital winning goals against Sampdoria, Vicenza and Juve Stabia, although the fact he hasn’t scored since October 15th continues to be a worry.
Alessandro Sgrigna - 6.5
After being used as a winger for much of last season, Sgrigna has finally been deployed in his favoured position this season. The former Vicenza striker has scored four goals so far this season, including a brace in the impressive 4-1 victory against Pescara.
Giulio Ebagua - 6
Much was expected of Giulio Ebagua when he signed for his boyhood club in the summer, and although he has scored three goals for the club, there is still plenty of room of improvement. One of the most impressive aspects of his game is his hardworking nature, and on occasion, he could perhaps be guilty of trying too hard - although it is a little unfair to criticise any striker who does that.
Simone Verdi - 6
Much like Oduamadi, Simone Verdi had a bright start to his Torino career as he won a penalty in the opening day victory at Ascoli. However, since that match, he has struggled to earn a regular place in the starting eleven. But the former AC Milan winger is still young and has plenty of time to improve.
No comments:
Post a Comment