A Look Back At Lazio's 2024: Midfielders

Lazio's midfield saw a mix of triumphs and disappointments in 2024, with some players establishing themselves as key figures, while others struggled to meet expectations. Matteo Guendouzi emerged as a key leader, regaining his form and earning a starting role under Baroni's leadership. On the other hand, Gaetano Castrovilli's time at Lazio was marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, limiting his impact. Nicolò Rovella's work ethic and determination made him a valuable asset, while Daichi Kamada, tasked with replacing Milinkovic-Savic, couldn't find his footing and opted for a move abroad. Despite some injury setbacks, Matías Vecino remained a reliable contributor, while Luis Alberto’s departure marked the end of a turbulent tenure. Meanwhile, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru showed potential, and Danilo Cataldi's stint as captain ended unexpectedly, highlighting the evolving nature of Lazio's midfield.

MIDFIELDERS

Matteo Guendouzi: Rediscovered Warrior

Guendouzi began 2024 with strong performances, notably in the derby victory. After Sarri’s resignation, things looked bleak for his Lazio future, but Baroni’s arrival turned his career around. He regained his starting spot and emerged as a leader, not only for Lazio but also for France, taking on the role of emotional leader in the new season. RATING: 8

Gaetano Castrovilli: Missed Opportunity

Lazio placed high hopes on Castrovilli from the beginning, with Baroni believing in his ability to bring energy and quality to the midfield. Unfortunately, his struggles with poor utilization and recurring injuries have hindered his impact, leaving him among the transfer-listed players. With just 129 minutes in Serie A and 17 minutes in the Coppa Italia, he was absent from the Europa League roster and only started against Fiorentina. Despite his efforts in a demanding role, he failed to make a significant impression. RATING: N/A

Nicolò Rovella: A Rising Star

Rovella’s stamina and relentless energy made him a crucial player for Lazio. Known for his impressive work rate and versatility, he became a key figure in the midfield, representing the team’s spirit. Despite injury setbacks, he has proven his worth, now valued far beyond his initial transfer cost from Juventus. RATING: 7.5

Daichi Kamada: A Misstep

Kamada arrived to fill the gap left by Milinkovic-Savic, but struggled to live up to expectations. After a promising start under Sarri, including a goal against Napoli, his performance deteriorated, and he lost the coach’s trust. Though he briefly regained prominence under Tudor and was even offered a renewal, Kamada opted for a move to the Premier League, leaving Lazio behind. RATING: 5.5

Matías Vecino: Reliable Contributor

Whether starting or coming off the bench, Vecino has been a steady presence in the midfield. He was a constant under both Sarri and Baroni, providing security and consistency. Despite injuries affecting him in the latter half of 2024, his presence, especially as a substitute, remains invaluable. RATING: 7 

Luis Alberto Romero Alconchel: A Sad Departure

Luis Alberto’s final months at Lazio were marked by dissatisfaction and tension, with a troubled relationship with both Sarri and Tudor. His performances dwindled, and his farewell was bitter. After 307 appearances and 52 goals, he left with a sense of unfulfilled potential, though he was never ordinary on the pitch. RATING: 5.5

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru: Work in Progress

The mysterious summer signing, initially labeled as a 'trequartista,' struggled to fit into Baroni's system. Given limited opportunities, he showed glimpses of his potential in the Europa League, eventually gaining more visibility. His physical dominance and modern football characteristics suggest he could become a foundational piece for Lazio moving forward. RATING: 6.5

Danilo Cataldi: Unfulfilled Captaincy

A starter under Sarri but less so under Tudor, Cataldi’s presence seemed to influence Lazio’s performance. In the first half of 2024, he captained the team three times, including two crucial victories over Juventus and Roma in the Coppa Italia. Though he seemed set to take on a more prominent role this season, Zaccagni was preferred, and his time with Lazio came to an unexpected end on the transfer market's final day. RATING: 6