Mehdi Benatia has been a rock at the back for AS Roma this season. A look back at some of his wonderful displays for the Giallorossi this term. ‘If Roma are spending all that money on Benatia, then something is not right’, fumed former AS Roma right back Christian Panucci as the club concluded business with Udinese regarding the purchase of Mehdi Benatia for an estimated cost of €13.5m and co-ownerships of Uruguayan teenager Nico Lopez and the promising Italian youngster Valerio Verre. Renowned Roman journalist Roberto Renga suggested that Roma were making a mistake by letting these talented kids leave for an ‘underachieving’ Moroccan. After the departure of Marquinhos, there was a bit of scepticism about the new arrival from Udinese. Now, after 33 games, Benatia has persuaded even his harshest detractors. The Moroccan has in fact revolutionized the Giallorossi defense. The excellent tactical work of Rudi Garcia must also be complimented but the performances of Benatia has been […] Read more »