Roman Defender: Philippe Mexes

By: chris | June 2nd, 2008

I’m not going to lie, part of this is because I got stuck watching more damn highlight videos, but I figure these deserve their own mini-posts.

Philippe Mexes – Defender of the Year.:

Part of the allure of Philippe is that he has embraced this club and this city so much, he’s become one of Rome. Italian, French or Martian, he is as deserving of the title Romanista as much as anyone walking this planet. The guy is simply all Roman, showing it last year by inking a deal fresh into the summer despite being worth twice as much as Mr. What’s-His-Nuts thinks he is. So when he puts up stellar performance after stellar performance, it makes it all the more glorious for us as fans.

Unfortunately, I think Juan stole a bit of his thunder this year for a few reasons. One being Juan is the new, shiny toy and he was replacing that other character who used to play here who had a highly publicized transfer saga at some point recently (forget their name…Cristiana?). Another being that he is smooth, whereas Philou is a bit, shall we say, rough around the edges. (On purpose, of course.) But at the end of the day, nearly every week, it was Philou who was being relied on. Providing the big body on set pieces when Roma was in full Oompa Loompa mode, making defenders thinking twice about bringing that shit in his neck of the woods again, forgetting his name is not Philippe Inzaghi and going against the opposition’s defensive trap, and finally, just being one of the best defenders on the planet.

It wasn’t perfect, there were certainly a few slip ups (namely a few too many cards – though the most glaring undeserving), but all in all, it was just more of the same from Philou. World class play from a world class player. Simple, direct, to the point.

The final game so aptly summed up his time in the shirt: underappreciated technique (that’s more than one positively bullshit goal off a corner now, methinks defenses may wanna pay attention to him), bone crunching tackles, warrior mentality and a winning spirit. The best moment for me wasn’t that superb goal, either. It was when he went knee-to-knee/thing-to-thigh with an Inter rugby player (thought it was Pele, but if it was pure brutality, we can automatically assume it was Vieira instead) and he motioned for a sub immediately. This after he’d been taking a beating all day. Not only would he have been justified in asking off but any sane person probably should have asked off. Nope. Philou recanted his request and went on to make a couple critical tackles, while taking more of a beating, until the final whistle. A beating which probably cost him a spot on Les Bleus.

That, for me, is the epitome of an athlete. We see it with De Rossi and his never say die spirit. We saw it with Totti recently, when the man couldn’t stand and he’s still taking shots against Livorno. And we see it with Philou, a true modern day gladiator, and a possible recipient of some personal hardware come award season.

‘Tis truly a shame that he missed out on his chance to partake in the summer festivities, but it can only be considered fitting. The man is more Roman than he’ll ever be French.

Your 2007-08 Roman Defender of the Year, and you can probably pencil in the next couple as well.

Some Related Roma Posts:

Category: Philippe Mexes, Team News

« Azzurri Mode | Home | Positional Breakdowns: Defenders »

crkftsrpmcfrn

Mexes Is The Best Defender Ever !
Don't Get me Wrong I love AS Roma But I Wish That Mexes Go To Manchester United
Gabriella (ASR)

yeah... something doesnt add up for me regardless that statement
ursus arctos

Ah, we are back to roller coaster time on the stock price.

After being almost 8 percent down this morning, it is now almost 6 percent up. Someone thinks that they know something.
ursus arctos

Well, given that he apparently made it to an Italian financial news agency in the last 12 hours or so, I don't find that terribly surprising.

I would, however, be surprised if Dow Jones was completely fabricating quotes, and Vachon is indeed Soros' spokesperson, as noted here:
http://www.sipa.columbia.edu/a...

The other bits of news this morning are that the Rome district attorney (procura) has asked Consob for information on their investigation and that the stock is down another 7 percent.
Gabriella (ASR)

I am not able to find that statement anywhere in English
Johnny (ASR)

Inner Circle Sports are looking for a new investor now since Soros backed out..
ursus arctos

Soros' spokesperson has issued an official denial of him having any interest in participating in a takeover "either directly or indirectly":

"As Roma: Soros non partecipera' a finanziamento per acquisto

ROMA (MF-DJ)--George Soros chiude definitivamente la partita sulla As Roma. Attraverso una dichiarazione rilasciata a MF-Dow Jones da un suo portavoce, Michael Vachon, il magnate statunitense precisa che "non intende partecipare ne' direttamente ne' attraverso sue controllate ad un finanziamento finalizzato all'acquisizione della squadra di calcio" capitolina.

In questo modo viene smentito un suo potenziale nuovo interessamento per il club. Negli ultimi mesi, spiegano fonti vicine al miliardario, c'e' stato un interessamento da parte del Soros Fund Management, un interessamento che adesso non esiste piu' perche' non c'e' alcun interesse "diretto o indiretto", spiega il portavoce, all'acquisizione della As Roma."
ursus arctos

Gabriella, if Inter were willing to pay half Adriano's salary, Sao Paulo could cover the rest, and I have to believe that Inter would be infinitely happier having him in Brazil than helping Roma win the scudetto.

The Follieri rumour is interesting, because it is unclear whether he is primarily interested in Italpetroli or AS Roma (assuming of course that he is actually interested in either). There are no synergies whatsoever between the two assets, and it is hard to imagine anyone other than the Sensis wanting to keep both. Given that Follieri made his money primarily through real estate investments (and a very close relationship with the Catholic Church), one might guess that he is more interested in Italpetroli's real estate assets than in the football club, and would look to sell the club were he to acquire the company (though that is pure speculation on my part).

Readers of New York-based gossip magazines may also recognise the name as being that of the actress Anne Hathaway's former boyfriend, who has run into more than a small bit of trouble with the authorities over financial fraud.

Some background on that here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12...
Johnny (ASR)

http://www.romanews.eu/news.as...

Future will be known this week or will hopefull end this week.
Johnny (ASR)

Buffon will be captain, Gattusso will be the reserve. Aquilani will resign with us.
Gabriella (ASR)

MAybe they would think that paying 2.5 net is better than 5 net ... Inter is not really wise about their money anyway so who knows.

Plus he may become a real locke rroom problem for them asking for playing time
ursus arctos

Lorenzo, Adriano's salary is 5 million euro (net) a year. Do you see Roma paying that? Do you see Inter agreeing to subsidise their primary rivals for the scudetto? Do you see Adriano taking a major wage cut?
Lorenzo

I wonder if there is any chance for us to get Adriano on loan? It MIGHT make sense for both sides. We all know that Adriano has the talent to be a world class striker. If Inter gave him to us on loan (I'm going to make this part up) with Roma getting an option to buy for somewhere b/t 8-10 million at the end of the loan period and Inter getting an option to buy him back for 10-14 million, that can potentially work for both sides.

First from Inter's perspective, if Adriano flops, Inter has lost nothing. If Adriano does well enough for Roma to exercise their option, then Inter get 8-10 milliong for him, probbaly more than what they would get for him now, right? If Adriano returns to his true form, Inter can buy back for a few more million (chumo change to them for resurrecting Adriano's career). Not really much to lose from Inter's perspective and definitely something to gain.

From Roma's perspective, this is perfect. You get your striker for free. He has all the talent in the world and hopefully being surrounded by Totti, DDR, TGIP and the rest of the boys (not to mention some Salceao buddies) he could get his head back on straight and make a formidable tandem with Totti and/or Vucinic. If he doesn't return to his old form, he should still make a good, serviceable substitute off the bench that can be dangerous. Getting this kind of striker for free during this transfer period would be HUGE! That would allow us to afford the LB of our choosing (Vargas, Riise or Matthieu), Barnetta, Rosina, a CB ala Domizzi and a good GK (Amelia?), as well as the other 1/2 of Vuci (this assumes that we can get 20 mil for Mancini/Giuly/Esposito). That would make us an extremely competitive team for scudetto and CL.

If he works out well, we could buy him for whatever the predetermined price is (I'm making up 8-10 mil but it may be more) and if Inter want to buy him back, we could make a few mil of the deal and invest that in a new striker next year.

Seems like a pretty good win-win for both sides from my admittedly ignorant perspective. Best of all, it would afford us the ability to be competitive without the Soros takeover. Thoughts?
nick

yea definetly simalarities. they make him out to be like a henry type in his prime for arsenal. the guy doesnt contribute enough to each game, he can make up a beautiful highlight video for the year but highlights from each game r shallow

tough break for carnavaro. if only mexas was italian
SGM

good to see that the KA issues seem to be resolving. But more than money, Spal really needs to nurture Aqui or many will turn against the coach. Donadoni seems to rate Aqui more than Spal does!

As for Rooney and Cronaldo making so much from commercials etc-- Manure is prob. the most aggressively marketed club in the world. Rooney as a striker in any other country would be treated as a good striker-- not the next best thing since sliced bread. He is good but nowhere near as good as the media claims he is.. sound familiar? For me, the only guy to lives (or used to, rather) up to the billing among the epl-based players was Beckham.
ordea_rules (JCS)

2.5 mill for aquilani... its ok i guess, but I don't think he is as important to the team as Mexes is, at least right now
ordea_rules (JCS)

yeah, so why would you be so surprised about a comercial aimed to peopel in Rome with a player born in the city? at 23???
Cazzano's Diaper Rash No Baby

Aquilani's offer is 2.5 million.

http://ilromanista.it/?section...

Now I can sleep finally ...
Lupa

Ordeal ... they are also in the most overhyped league in the world and are first team regulars. ;-)
ordea_rules (JCS)

Lupa...

look at how many comercials Rooney and Ronaldo get... and they are 21
nick

gonna be an intersting euro. wonder how much playin time ddr, aqualani n cassano will get
chris

I think also, more than anything, Gattuso just sealed his starting spot for on the pitch leadership and pure defense.

Sorry, DDR. (Or if The Don is feeling extra unsafe, he could play them both.)
Kistajk

Agree with Marmash.
Lupa

Canna out is not good. I don't like the guy generally, but when he pulls on the Italia jersey he is something else.

Aquilani could be a surprise this tournament if he gets playing time. I guess we'll see what Donadoni has in mind. I've been searching high and low for that ad I saw at the Coppa Italia final (23 and he has his own Nike ad, so maybe they expect big things) but I can't find it anywhere! did I have some sort of hallucination?
chris

Yes, Aquilani has nothing to do with money, it's all about playing time.

He'll start next season in the XI, no question about it.
Marmash

I guess Aqui will stay if he is promised more playing time. The Peruvian midget gets more attention and that is disturbing for all of us, no?
ilcapitano

About the Canna situation:
At first, I was shocked and really upset/worried. Losing a great player and leader is tough.
Then you remember, our best defender was injured most of the WC (Nesta), and look what happened? Maybe this will be a good thing?? you just gotta think positive.

And definitely Buffon for captain. Starter, feisty, and a proven leader.
KJ

chris, aquilani might be this years chivu....

I think he will stay, but if he has a monster Euro, well...
ordeal_rules (JCS)

if thats what you say gabs....
Gabriella (ASR)

I have already discussed this theory of mine about KA's injuries. I dont believe he is injury prone whatsoever.
Mike

Aqui can not help how often he gets hurt unless he does not take preventative measures.
Gabriella (ASR)

well the Euros could all change that
ordeal_rules (JCS)

ye bariella, but he also is not in the mexes range of salary as well... I think he earns 2.5 mill per year...

the most Aquilani should earn is 2 mill
Gabriella (ASR)

we dont really know what KA is asking for. I am sure he understands that he cannot get DDR type of salary at the moment at least not from Roma. But earning 1 million Euros is clearly not his level any longer.
ordeal_rules (JCS)

if aquilani wanta a contract similar to the one De Rossi is going to get I hope the management laughs in his face and send him off... he has in no way deserved to be paid as much.

he does deserve a pay rise just because of his talent but he has yeat to show any form of consistency on the field and he gets injured WAY too much to garner such a high contract
chris

Don't believe what you read.
jasperaldo (ASR)

i read that roma ponders to sell aquilani if his contract demands stay too high
ordeal_rules (JCS)

I don't agree chris... or at least I half agree...

the cap needs to stay, it will help us control our expenses and not let us sign overrated players... maybe what needs to happen is that we need to raise the wage cap a little, or to the wage of the highest paid player in the team... but I don't mean totti... maybe Aquilanis or de rossi's new contract
chris

Is Bronzetti not on the Milan payroll now? Thought the relationship with Roma was merely a friendship rather than as confidant, or at least it should be. So speaking on all things Roma might not reap the most accurate information.

Not that I don't agree, the cap needs to go.
avala

http://www.romanews.eu/news.as...
avala

Le dichiarazioni di Ernesto Bronzetti, rilasciate al quotidiano Il Romanista......"Con tutto il rispetto per la Roma, il problema è il tetto ingaggi, che per me è una sciocchezza incredibile».
With all due respect,the problem is the (Roma)salary cap
which for me is an incredible foolishness.

This statement speaks volumes and is a clear sign of what we are facing, barring miracles.
SGM

ok, i dont usually read any blogs about teams that i have no interest in watching unless the other option is to watch paint dry. so, i admit guilt on reading a totally irrelevant blog. this guy at Blackburn is wierd..
He writes about Mark Hughes wanting to leave--
"Why does he want to go to Man City? Yes, English clubs are generally well run (look at Rovers), and compared to Spanish and Italian clubs the behind-the-scenes quaralling at Liverpool and City is insignificant."
Really? Fans threatening the owners son's life is insignificant?

That's where I stopped reading..but anyways...
lamagica

gamberini has officially been called up to replace cannavaro:

http://www.calciomercato.com/i...
ordeal_rules (JCS)

what I mean is that we are being obligated to use our next generation of players
SGM

I am still not prepared to give up on Nesta being the knight in shining armor to fill in for Canna...
Dhaw

Gabs honestly if u ask me Aqui isnt just abt ready yet.
yet he is out there doing his thing.
Its all abt giving one the chance to shine.
SGM

definitely Buffon for captain. he will lead by example (duh), is a sure starter, and seems to have the leadership skills. Pirlo is too quiet, and too..uhmm, mild? azzuri need someone who is cool and a little fiesty at the same time, like Canna. This is such a disaster-- Canna was among the few untouchables on the team. But then again, Lippi managed to transform them into roaring lions in the face of adversity, maybe Euros will see the same. Here's hoping.....
ordeal_rules (JCS)

still, it might be a good thing that we are not depending so much on the older players anymore like inzagui, and right not Canna
Robbie (ASR)

Mexes picked Italy over france, I would love to see him pen a lifelong contract ala De Rossi
Kelly

this news has ruined my day.

No Canna is going to be a huge blow to overcome.
Gabriella (ASR)

I do like Gamberini but thought he was like Montolivo... not yet ready
Dhaw

Canna is out , so be it.
No point crying over spilt milk now.
Gamberini had a wonderful season with Fiorentina, Certainly its a big big spot to fill up but hey dont forget... this team has always done gr8 when they are pushed against the wall. In adversity they all bring their "A" game out on the pitch.

Forza Italia.
Gabriella (ASR)

Not sure about Pirlo, he always goes about his business quietly

Gattuso would be a good one for his character... although that means he is a sure starter
Gabriella (ASR)

Canna for the Azzurri is like Grosso for the Azzurri... their club form dont matter
ursus arctos

Truer words have rarely been spoken.
Dhaw

Buffon or Pirlo will do it for me @ armband
Both for me are influential and extremely important for this team.
chris

Yes, but ordeal, Canna in Madrid white and Canna in Italia blue are two entirely different players.
ordeal_rules (JCS)

this might be a blessing in disguise, Cannavaro has not impressed this past year for Madrid to me...

it might be time to pass on the torch and let Canna, Matrix and Nesta retire from the national team... as well as ADP, Inzgui... after this ournament I mean
ordeal_rules (JCS)

Buffon is going to be captain and Pirlo sub captain no? maybe even Toni...

Barzagli can handle the challenge, but Chiellini might break under the preassure
KJ

I agree with chris...its gotta go to BUFFON!!
Jake

http://img98.imageshack.us/img...
chris

Thought the exact same thing, Gabs.

Except the only difference is Calciopoli didn't starve the team of one of its greatest talents. 2006 was wholly a mentality thing, the talent was there. Now they have to patch up a key position. Who knows.

(Unless Matrix shows up in that type of form again.)
Dhaw

lol thats No Extra Push at all.
Gabriella (ASR)

so is the Cannavaro injury this tournament's calciopoli to overcome and give the extra push?
Dhaw

Alessandro Gamberini Will be it.
Sigh.
Dhaw

Oddo will be he replacement , with Panucci getting into the CB postion.
Thats the only posibility i can think of.
Bashar

Massimo Oddo to replace Cannavaro!! or maybe OwnGoal could be the player coming in.
Tommy Wong

Donadoni loves AC Milan way too much to give it to ADP. At the very least, the Don should get on his knees, beg, Nesta, and give him the armband.
chris

Well, if ADP isn't on the field, which is a distinct probability, it won't matter.

But if he does, well, yeah - to Swissaustria I go.
ursus arctos

Gazzetta has put up a video of the injury. Just looks clumsy from Chiellini.

http://mediacenter.gazzetta.it...
Dhaw

Chris , What if Don decides to hand it to ADP :P
Lolll that shit is gonna be bad.
I can see u taking the next flight to Austria and kicking Don on his jewels :P
Dhaw

Every Euro a youngster comes to the party , guess this time Italia is going to have 2 youngsters coming to the party with one being Aquilani , who gonna be the other ?
Dhaw

As we say Mexes is more Roman than he is french , then well if a roman then a italian.
Lets pack him and send him :P
chris

Buffon.
Dhaw

Oh so now its 100% that Canna is out.
Who gets the armband now ?
Who is influential player now to don the captaincy ?
vigliotti

Is it true that giuly is leaving?
Nils

Nesta would be crazy, he has been laying on the beach for weeks now, Gambarini and others will be a bit better...
Bashar

I agree that it will probably be Matrix.

I see Zambro, Barzagli, Materazzi, Panucci. Aquilani might be sacrificed for DDR or Gattusso (whoever wasn't expected to start).
Johnny (ASR)

I can understand that Chiellini is unconsolable. Now the other 3 teams in the group will look differentely at Italy now without Fabio. I see Don using Chiellini and Barzagli as central duo because they got Buffon behind them as the more experienced one. I see more playing time now for Panucci as rightback and Zambro at left.
Bashar

Damn.. Nesta needs to swallow his pride and come back.. Or else we really will need a lot of defense coming from other areas (as mentioned before). I hope Donadoni gives him a call.

This is terrible news.. Poor Cannavaro. God help us all.
Cazzano's Diaper Rash No Baby

Chiellini apparently inconsolable. Great. So not only is GOD injured, but another centrale is more of a basket case than normale becuase of guilt.

Italia ... only italia.
ordeal_rules (JCS)

could we somehow get Podolski?

would love to see him here
Johnny (ASR)

Thank you Chiellini, I wonder how the Italian press will fall over him now with him injuring the captain.
CMP (ASR)

Baby W... I'll join on to the romano phrases boat please! Chris@parsholt.com THX!
Gabriella (ASR)

I'd love to see Nesta back in the NT only for the Euros. Mind you it is still not 100% that Canna is out but like 90%... huh not good
ursus arctos

Gazzetta is saying that Gamberini has already gotten the call . . .
Caroe

The worst player to get injured.. Everyone else could've been more or less replaced..
chris

True, Marco is a walking red card.

I think we're all hoping Nesta gets a phone call. Totti said he'd come back because of injury (before he himself was injured), not sure if Nesta said anything of the like.
Cazzano's Diaper Rash No Baby

Ah I see, thanks. No of course they won't; If he wanted to come, he has to do what Gila did: take less money to play for us.
ordeal_rules (JCS)

your right chris, but he might be forced to use it when Materazzi gets suspended in the first game
chris

Contribute to the wage packet, Cazz.

Pay 25%, 50%, whatever, so that he fits under the cap.
Cazzano's Diaper Rash No Baby

This is nothing short of a disaster on Canna ... why pretend.

Ursus, forgive me for my lack of vocabulary, but what do you mean by subsidize? Are you talking about "strengthening" or merely financial speak?
chris

Barz-Chiellini has absolutely zero big game experience. No way in hell we'll see that pairing unless The Don has fallen in love with his grapefruits after that Cassano selection. I'd almost say we're more likely to see Panucci with Barzagli than Chiellini (or vice-versa).
ordeal_rules (JCS)

Dainielli? why not him insted of gamberini...

well, Chieillini just turned into a CB and I don't know how effective he would be there on this tournament...

Barzagli has to start and rotate Matrix and Chiellini with him, maybe even Panucci

Bashar you are right... Balotelli will leave inter in the next few years for premiership money... he is not even that good, come on 3 goals in 11 games... he is an asshole with his play as well like ou mention and serie a and Italy would be better off without him
chris

It'll be Materazzi.
ursus arctos

I think Donadoni is going to go with experience, so Matrix.
Johnny (ASR)

So who will start next to Barzagli? Materazzi or Chiellini?
Johnny (ASR)

Now I read from 2 different sources that Cannavaro will miss the Euros :(
Cazzano's Diaper Rash No Baby

oh dio ... ufficiale ... Canna out, Gamberini in.
Bashar

Balotelli seemed like an asshole to me since I first saw him play against Juve in the coppa 2nd leg.. Roughing players up, he threw an elbow in there... I made the observation that he was a dirty player and must've learned from Ibra, Matrix and Vieira. Now he wants some 5 mn a season and to be a starter. He's gonna end up in the premiership making big bucks for a crappy team.