Under the management of Claudio Ranieri, 'Roma' has set its main goal this season to win the Europa League trophy. The 73-year-old coach has made significant changes to the team's play and revitalized several players. In particular, Eldor Shomurodov is becoming one of the most important figures for the Romans today.
'Roma's unbeaten streak and Shomurodov's rise'
In 2025, the 'wolves' have not lost a single match – the team has gone 12 consecutive games without defeat. Claudio Ranieri made serious changes to the team structure and gave opportunities to several players who were not trusted by previous coaches. Along with Zeki Celik, Matias Sule, Mats Hummels, and Leandro Paredes, Eldor Shomurodov has also secured his place in the starting lineup.
The Uzbek forward is experiencing his best period of the current season. Since joining 'Roma' in 2021, his performance had been inconsistent for various reasons, but under Claudio Ranieri, he has had the chance to showcase himself again.
Shomurodov and Dovbik: the battle for the starting lineup
Sources specializing in Italian football are discussing who will be chosen for the central striker position ahead of the game against 'Athletic'. The publication Ilromanista.eu prepared a special analysis on this matter, focusing on the competition between Shomurodov and Artem Dovbik:
“If someone had said last summer that there would be a serious battle for the starting lineup between Eldor Shomurodov and Artem Dovbik before 'Roma's' most important match, many would not have believed it. However, today this very issue has become a headache for Claudio Ranieri.”
Shomurodov's statistics and impact on the team
Shomurodov has participated in 26 games this season, spending 878 minutes on the field. During this time, he scored 5 goals and provided 3 assists. Three of his goals and two assists came in 2025. According to statistics, Eldor spends 176 minutes for each goal.
Dovbik, on the other hand, has played in 36 matches this season, recording 14 goals and 4 assists. His average goal-scoring rate is 182 minutes. In terms of raw numbers, the Ukrainian forward appears to be more efficient. However, in terms of impact on the field, Eldor is proving to be much more beneficial.
Shomurodov's ability to move freely across the field, return to defense, apply pressure on opponents, and positively influence the team's play gives him an edge over Dovbik. Even Dovbik himself has acknowledged this.
Who will start against 'Athletic'?
Now all attention is focused on the Europa League match between 'Athletic' and 'Roma'. In the first leg, the Romans won 2:1, and in that match, Eldor Shomurodov scored the decisive goal. In the return leg, 'Athletic' is expected to push forward, and they will have to attack as a team.
In this situation, if Eldor Shomurodov enters the field from the first minutes, 'Roma' may focus more on counter-attacking plays. Considering that 'Athletic' will leave spaces in their defense, Shomurodov's speed and mobility across the field could provide significant assistance to the team.
If the coaching staff chooses Dovbik, he will try to apply more pressure on the central defenders. However, Valverde is reportedly seriously afraid of Shomurodov and plans to play Paredes and Una Nunes instead of Yeray and Vivian in the center of defense. This is clearly a tactical measure against Shomurodov.
Ranieri's choice – a decisive decision
This will be a very important decision for Claudio Ranieri. He must choose between Shomurodov and Dovbik. However, experts emphasize that Shomurodov could become 'Roma's' main weapon in this match.
“If Eldor enters the field, it will distract 'Athletic'. Because they will be forced to push forward, and in such a situation, gaps will appear in the opponent's defense. Shomurodov can take advantage of these opportunities,” writes ilromanista.eu.
Regardless, a fierce clash is expected on March 13 at 'San Mames'. 'Roma' aims to continue their unbeaten streak and reach the semifinals of the Europa League. Eldor Shomurodov is one of the main candidates who could bring his team another victory.
The match will start on March 13 at 22:45 Tashkent time. A decisive night for the wolves!
