Mourinho’s strategy shift, Kristensen set for more time as center-back

Jose Mourinho plans to utilize Rasmus Kristensen's physical abilities as Roma faces a shortage of defenders.

Rasmus Kristensen To Spend More Time As Centre Back
Matteo Bottanelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Jose Mourinho looks set to capitalize on Rasmus Kristensen’s physical prowess as Roma grapples with a shortage of defenders. In Roma’s recent triumph against Cremonese, Kristensen was deployed as a center-back in a three-man defense alongside Bryan Cristante and Rick Karsdorp during the second half.

The unconventional use of Kristensen’s robust physique proved instrumental in providing stability to Roma, who were trailing 0-1 and seeking a goal while effectively managing Cremonese’s counter-attacks.

During his post-match press conference, Mourinho specifically lauded Kristensen’s display and selfless commitment to the team’s cause.

Reportedly, according to Corriere della Sera, Mourinho is resolute in his intention to collaborate more closely with Kristensen in training sessions and employ him more frequently as a center-back in the upcoming weeks. This strategic move aims to compensate for the absence of key defenders like Smalling, Kumbulla, and Ndicka in the following weeks.

Rasmus Kristensen

Rasmus Nissen Kristensen

Defender, Midfielder

DenmarkDenmark

Age: 27

187 cm

70 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 27 8 Missed
Minutes 1656 61.3 Avg
Goals 1 0.0 Avg
Assist 2 0.1 Avg
Attempt 16 0.6 Avg
Passes 797 29.571.6% AvgSucc
Yellow 5 0.2 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 17 times for 932 minutes for Serie A.

Rasmus Kristensen scored 1 goal for Roma. He procured two assists. He received 3 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 7th in Serie A. In the last match Roma won 2-1 against Cremonese.

Roma performance and stats

Roma

Manager: Daniele De Rossi
Rank 5th
Win 17
Draw 9
Loss 9
Goals 62-42
Diff 20
Rank 2nd
Win 4
Draw 1
Loss 1
Goals 12-4
Diff 8

Roma is currently 7th in the Serie A with 28 points.

In the last 18 games, it has won 8 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 6 times. In its last match, Roma lost 1-0 against Juventus.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 30 goals and conceding 20.​

Roma will play the next match in Serie A against Atalanta on Sunday 7th of January in Roma. The prediction is Roma winning the match.​