Introduction

In the world of football, particularly in the highly tactical and competitive landscape of Serie A, the role of versatile attacking midfielders has become increasingly crucial. These players serve as the creative engines of their teams, orchestrating attacks, providing assists, and often contributing with crucial goals. Two such players who have made significant impacts in recent years are Henrikh Mkhitaryan of AS Roma and Luis Alberto of Lazio. This essay will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two midfield maestros, examining various aspects of their game and their influence on their respective teams.

Player Profiles

Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s Renaissance at Roma
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the Armenian international, has experienced a remarkable resurgence since joining AS Roma. After somewhat mixed spells at Manchester United and Arsenal, Mkhitaryan has rediscovered his best form in the Italian capital. His ability to seamlessly fit into Paulo Fonseca’s tactical system has been crucial to Roma’s offensive play. Mkhitaryan’s versatility allows him to operate effectively across the attacking midfield positions, often seen wearing the iconic ‘Roma jersey‘ (shirt) with the number 77.

Luis Alberto’s Consistency at Lazio
On the other side of Rome, Luis Alberto has been a model of consistency for Lazio. The Spanish midfielder has been instrumental in Lazio’s recent successes, including their impressive Serie A campaigns. Alberto’s vision and technique have made him one of the league’s standout playmakers. His performances have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest midfielders to have graced the ‘Cheap Soccer Jerseys‘ (football shirts) of top European clubs.

Passing Ability

Both Mkhitaryan and Alberto are renowned for their exceptional passing ability, a crucial attribute for players in their positions. Mkhitaryan’s passing range is particularly noteworthy, with the ability to switch play with long diagonal balls or thread intricate passes through tight defensive lines. His accuracy in short and medium-range passes allows Roma to maintain possession and build attacks patiently.

Luis Alberto, on the other hand, is celebrated for his ability to create chances with his passing. His vision and execution of key passes have been vital to Lazio’s attacking play. Alberto’s passing accuracy, especially in the final third, often unlocks defenses and creates scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Goal Contributions

While primarily known for their creative abilities, both Mkhitaryan and Alberto have impressive goal-scoring records. Mkhitaryan has shown a knack for arriving late in the box and finishing chances, reminiscent of his prolific days at Borussia Dortmund. His ability to score important goals has been crucial for Roma in tight matches.

Luis Alberto, while not as prolific as Mkhitaryan, has still contributed significantly in terms of goals. His technical ability allows him to score from distance, and he’s also adept at timing his runs into the box to finish off team moves. The Spaniard’s goal contributions have often been decisive, helping Lazio secure crucial points in their Serie A campaigns.

Assist Numbers

When it comes to creating goals, both players excel. Mkhitaryan’s assist numbers at Roma have been impressive, often finding teammates with clever through balls or perfectly weighted crosses. His understanding with Roma’s forwards has resulted in numerous goal-scoring opportunities.

Luis Alberto, however, has consistently been among the top assisters in Serie A. His ability to pick out runners with pinpoint passes has been a hallmark of his game at Lazio. Alberto’s vision and execution in the final third make him one of the most dangerous playmakers in Italian football.

Tactical Intelligence

Both Mkhitaryan and Alberto display high levels of tactical intelligence, which is crucial in the tactically sophisticated environment of Serie A. Mkhitaryan’s positional awareness allows him to find space between the lines, creating passing angles for his teammates and disrupting opposition defenses. His off-the-ball movement is equally impressive, often dragging defenders out of position to create space for his teammates.

Luis Alberto’s tactical intelligence is evident in his ability to dictate the tempo of Lazio’s play. He knows when to slow the game down and when to inject pace into attacks. His positioning often allows him to be the link between Lazio’s midfield and attack, facilitating smooth transitions from defense to offense.

Work Rate and Pressing

In modern football, even attacking midfielders are expected to contribute defensively, and both Mkhitaryan and Alberto have adapted to these demands. Mkhitaryan’s work rate off the ball is particularly noteworthy. He often leads Roma’s pressing from the front, harrying opposition defenders and midfielders to force turnovers.

While not known primarily for his defensive work, Luis Alberto has shown improvement in this aspect of his game. His positioning and intelligent pressing contribute to Lazio’s overall defensive structure, although his primary focus remains on creating chances in attack.

Set-Piece Proficiency

Set-pieces are an crucial aspect of modern football, and both players contribute significantly in this area. Mkhitaryan’s technical ability makes him a threat from direct free-kicks, while his delivery from corners and indirect free-kicks creates chances for his teammates.

Luis Alberto is particularly adept at set-piece delivery. His ability to whip in dangerous crosses from corners and free-kicks has been a significant source of goals for Lazio. His technique and precision in these situations make him a valuable asset in dead-ball situations.

Experience in Different Leagues

Both Mkhitaryan and Alberto have experience playing in multiple top European leagues, which has contributed to their development as players. Mkhitaryan’s journey has taken him from Ukraine to Germany, England, and now Italy, exposing him to various footballing cultures and tactical approaches. This diverse experience is evident in his adaptability and well-rounded skill set.

Luis Alberto, while primarily associated with Lazio, has also had spells in Spain and England. Although his time at Liverpool was limited, these experiences have shaped his understanding of different playing styles. His success in adapting to Italian football demonstrates his ability to thrive in different tactical environments.

Conclusion

In comparing Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Luis Alberto, it’s clear that both players are exceptional creative midfielders who have had significant impacts on their respective teams. Mkhitaryan’s renaissance at Roma has showcased his versatility and goal-scoring ability, while Alberto’s consistency at Lazio has established him as one of Serie A’s premier playmakers.

Their influence on team tactics and creativity is profound. Mkhitaryan’s ability to operate across the attacking positions and contribute both goals and assists makes him a versatile threat for Roma. Alberto’s vision and passing ability make him the creative fulcrum of Lazio’s attacking play.

Both players have proven themselves to be among the elite creative midfielders in Serie A, capable of wearing the (shirt) of any top club with distinction. Their performances have not only elevated their own standings but have also significantly enhanced the tactical approaches of their respective teams.

In the end, the comparison between Mkhitaryan and Alberto underscores the importance of creative midfielders in modern football. Their ability to influence games, create chances, and contribute goals makes them invaluable assets to their teams. As Serie A continues to evolve tactically, players like Mkhitaryan and Alberto will undoubtedly play crucial roles in shaping the league’s competitive landscape.