Simon Kjaer     22     Defender     AS Roma 

At one point Simon Kjaer was *THE* defender at the centre of a maelstrom of Europe’s biggest clubs transfer fancies. Linked with everyone from Manchester United to Barcelona, his consistency at Palermo and an ability to read the game more akin to his Italian contempories than his native Danes made Kjaer a standout prospect.

From his lofty position at the top of the world’s scouting lists, a move to Wolfsburg appeared slightly surprising to some, but even more puzzling was the dip in form that followed. Possibly a victim of a turbulent season at the German club, Kjaer struggled to settle, and despite being one of their first choice central defenders a loan move with option to buy to Roma was accepted in August.  Early days, but the blonde bombshell is beginning to resemble the player that left Palermo.

Kjaer is a real prospect; classy, intelligent, hard-working and naturally athletic.  His misstep at Wolfsburg will soon be forgotten if he can resurrect the form which once suggested the Dane would be one of the top defenders in Italian football - no small boast when you consider the pedigree. It’s been a year that won’t have gone to waste in the grand scheme of things, but it’s very much time to get back on track.

“A great defender who at 22 has already had probably the worst spell of his career.  He looks like he’s enjoying playing again, the exasperated expression has gone and Roma looks like it could be the perfect home to get back on the path to becoming world class”  – David Hartrick (IBWM)

"Incredibly composed beyond his 22 years, he struggled to settle at a troubled Wolfsburg. Now back in Italy with Roma and with some quality older central defenders around him we should see a vast improvement”  – Adam Digby (Journalist)

D     A harsh mark but a reflection of a year stuck in neutral