5 Issues AS Roma Need to Work on During November International Break

With many of his key players away on international duty, Rudi Garcia has some time off from competitive action in Serie A to work with the rest of his squad and fine-tune certain areas where he still needs to see improvement. 

There's no question that the core of Roma's squad is formidable, but if the Giallorossi are to win their first league title in 14 years, the 50-year-old Frenchman will need his entire squad firing on all cylinders. 

Prepare Kevin Strootman

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It's a cliche to say that a player returning from a long-term injury is like a new signing for a manager, but in the case of Kevin Strootman, it's true. 

The Dutchman is one of the most highly rated midfielders in the world and there's no doubt his comeback in a Roma shirt is a massive boost for Garcia and the Giallorossi. 

Strootman made a cameo appearance in the Lupi's 3-0 win over Torino in the last round, but Romanisti everywhere will be hoping to see plenty more of the 24-year-old in the weeks and months to come. 

Try to Unlock Consistency in Adem Ljajic

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Adem Ljajic has been one of the most talked-about players in Serie A for several seasons now, but it's time that the 23-year-old Serbian really settles and proves that he can perform at his highest level consistently. 

When on form, there's no doubt that the former Fiorentina and Partizan forward is a mercurial talent, but he's yet to show that he can do it week-in, week-out since his €15 million move to the Italian capital in 2013. 

Ljajic linked brilliantly with Miralem Pjanic against Torino, and if he can play like that more often, Garcia will have a world-beater on the books. 

Work on Improving Full-Backs

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Given his rather underwhelming start at Roma, it's somewhat surprising that the British press is linking Ashley Cole with a return to the Premier League this January with Manchester United, as rumoured by Jamie Anderson in The Express. 

The losses of Mehdi Benatia to Bayern Munich and Leandro Castan to injury was expected to hamper the start to the Giallorossi's season, but the newcomers at centre-back have all been solid, and occasionally outstanding. 

By contrast, the wide positions in defence have caused problems. Full-back, both left and right, has been the most obvious weakness so far this season. 

Cole is yet to find the kind of form that made him one of the world's best on the flanks while at Arsenal and Chelsea, while injury has limited Maicon's influence on the right. 

The alternatives, Vasilis Torosidis and Jose Holebas, have been solid but uninspiring. Garcia needs to find a solution on the flanks quickly, because it's letting down an otherwise extremely competitive and exciting squad. 

Take Care with Leandro Castan's Return

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In the absence of Leandro Castan, the trio of Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Kostas Manolas and Davide Astori has been performing well in central defence. But the Brazilian remains Garcia's best option at the back, after two solid seasons at the Olimpico alongside young Marquinhos and then Mehdi Benatia. 

Castan's spell on the sidelines had created some debate in Italy, and there were even rumours that the ex-Corinthians star had cancer. 

Speaking recently to Roma TV (here in English via football-italia.net), the 28-year-old rubbished that gossip and said that he was fully focused on his recovery. He said: 

"

I am fine and I can’t wait to get back to playing. It was a long and difficult time, as I had several problems all together. First the injuries to my leg, then I had an inflamed testicle and then a stomach virus that was worse than any of the rest.

I didn’t eat for five days and lost so much weight. I heard rumours I had atumour, but I can assure everyone that is not true. Some might not realise I have a family, parents and children who can hear these rumours and get scared.

I am training now and ready to overcome everything. I was already eager to play for Roma, now that has been doubled. God gave me this challenge and I have overcome it.

"

Motivate Fringe Players

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While most of his biggest stars are all away with their respective national sides, Rudi Garcia has the chance to work closely with Roma's fringe and youth players. They, in turn, have an opportunity to show their manager just what they can do, ahead of a crucial part of the season. 

There are difficult games ahead in the Champions League, in Russia against CSKA Moscow and in Rome with Manchester City. And before the Christmas break in Serie A, the Lupi will welcome their northern rivals Inter and AC Milan to the Olimpico. 

Players like Salih Ucan, Leandro Paredes and Urby Emanuelson should be using this time to prove to their coach that they have what it takes to make an impact at a side with genuine title ambitions. 

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