Evan Ndicka has used the international break to remind Roma that the hierarchy in defence is not settled. After a difficult spell shaped by a derby injury and a World Cup spent without leaving the bench, the Ivorian has returned from national duty with two commanding qualifying performances and a timely argument for his place in Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
Ndicka strengthens his case with Ivory Coast
- Ndicka began the season positively with Roma, but Leonardo Balerdi’s development did not go unnoticed by Gasperini.
- The Argentine was selected as a starter against Inter, putting further competition around a defensive unit that was the second least-conceding in Italy last season.
- Ndicka then returned to the centre of the Ivory Coast defence for Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Ghana and Somalia.
- Ivory Coast won both fixtures 2-0, with Ndicka producing strong numbers in possession and without the ball.
Against Ghana, Ndicka registered 99 touches and completed 91 per cent of his passes. His defensive work was equally evident: four clearances, one interception, one blocked shot and seven recoveries.
Two nights later, in the win over Somalia, he won every aerial duel he contested and raised his passing accuracy to 97 per cent. It was the sort of controlled, reliable display that fits the demands Gasperini places on his defenders.
A selection question before Como
The international performances arrive at an important moment for Roma. Balerdi has made a convincing start and has been trusted by the coach, yet Ndicka’s return to form gives Gasperini another serious decision to make.
The timing may matter as much as the statistics. Balerdi is due back from Argentina only 48 hours before Roma face Como, while Ndicka returns having re-established himself at the heart of the Ivory Coast back line. For Roma, it is not merely a question of replacing one defender with another, but of preserving the standards of a rearguard that carried much of last season’s work.
