Overview
Roberto Soriano is a professional footballer born on February 8, 1991, in Darmstadt, Germany, who has represented Italy at the international level. Primarily an attacking midfielder, Soriano's career has seen him feature prominently in Italy's Serie A and Spain's La Liga. Standing at 1.82 meters, he possesses a physical presence combined with technical ability, allowing him to operate effectively across various midfield roles.
Position
Soriano's most frequent position throughout his career has been as an attacking midfielder, often deployed behind the main striker or as a central midfielder with box-to-box responsibilities. His versatility has also seen him play as a wide midfielder on either flank or even in a deeper central midfield role when required. This tactical flexibility is a testament to his understanding of the game and his capacity to contribute defensively as well as offensively.
Identity
Soriano's identity on the pitch is characterized by his dynamic movement, ability to make late runs into the penalty area, and his consistent goal contribution from midfield. He is known for his work rate, pressing opponents, and his capacity to link play between defense and attack. His keen eye for goal and willingness to engage in defensive duties make him a valuable asset in both phases of play, often acting as a driving force in his team's midfield.
Career path
Roberto Soriano began his youth career in the academies of German clubs, including Bayern Munich. He moved to Italy in 2009, joining Sampdoria's youth setup. His professional senior career officially commenced with Sampdoria, though he spent a season on loan to Empoli to gain first-team experience.
Sampdoria (2010–2016)
After developing in the youth ranks, Soriano was sent on loan to Empoli for the 2010–2011 season, making his professional debut in Serie B. He returned to Sampdoria in the summer of 2011 and gradually established himself as a key player for the club in Serie A. Over five seasons, Soriano became known for his consistent performances, contributing goals and assists from midfield. He made over 150 appearances for the Blucerchiati, becoming a fan favourite for his dedication and attacking prowess.
Villarreal (2016–2019)
In August 2016, Soriano made a significant move to Spain, signing with Villarreal CF for an undisclosed fee, reported by Transfermarkt. During his time with 'The Yellow Submarine', he featured in La Liga and the UEFA Europa League, showcasing his ability to adapt to a different footballing culture and style of play. He notably scored against teams like Sporting Gijón and Real Betis during his tenure, contributing to Villarreal's European pushes. He made 43 appearances for the club during the 2016-17 season according to FBref.
Bologna (2019–present)
Soriano returned to Italy in January 2019, initially joining Bologna on loan before making the move permanent in the summer of 2019. At Bologna, he has re-established himself as a vital component of the midfield, often operating in a central attacking role. His experience and leadership qualities have been instrumental for the club, providing a consistent source of creativity and goal threat. He quickly became a pivotal figure, known for his work rate, positional awareness, and ability to break lines with his passing and off-the-ball runs.
Playing style
Roberto Soriano's playing style is characterized by his blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and sustained work rate. As a central or attacking midfielder, he excels in linking play and contributing to both offensive and defensive phases. His right foot is his preferred choice, allowing him to deliver incisive passes and powerful shots from distance.
One of Soriano's key attributes is his movement off the ball. He frequently makes intelligent runs into the penalty area, often arriving late to capitalize on crosses or cut-backs, which explains his consistent goal-scoring record from midfield. This ability to find space in dangerous areas is complemented by his composure in front of goal. FBref data highlights his strong percentile ranks for non-penalty goals and shots on target during his peak seasons, indicating his offensive threat.
In possession, Soriano demonstrates good control and dribbling ability, capable of carrying the ball through the midfield to initiate attacks. His passing range is decent, allowing him to distribute the ball effectively, whether with short, intricate passes in tight spaces or longer diagonal balls to switch play. While not a primary playmaker, his decision-making in the final third is generally astute.
Defensively, Soriano contributes significantly through his pressing and tracking back. He is not afraid to engage in duels and shows a willingness to recover possession in central areas. His work rate is often praised by coaches, as he covers a considerable amount of ground during matches, aiding his team's defensive structure and ensuring continuity in transitions.
Comparisons in terms of playing style might be drawn to midfielders who combine offensive output with defensive diligence, such as a younger Claudio Marchisio or perhaps even a more attack-minded Arturo Vidal, particularly in his ability to make impactful runs and influence both ends of the pitch. Soriano's consistency and adaptability make him a reliable presence in any midfield setup.
Achievements & honours
Throughout his career, Roberto Soriano has been a consistent performer, contributing significantly to his clubs. While major team trophies have been elusive, his individual contributions and leadership have been highly valued. His career has been marked by strong individual seasons, particularly at Sampdoria and Bologna.
Soriano notably played a crucial role in helping Sampdoria maintain their Serie A status and achieve respectable finishes during his tenure. At Bologna, he has been a central figure in their efforts to establish themselves as a stable Serie A side, often leading the team in goal contributions from midfield.
Below is a summary of team honours and significant achievements:
| Club / National Team | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| None | Major Senior Team Honours | N/A |
While often operating in teams that have not regularly competed for domestic or European titles, Soriano's longevity and consistent performance at the highest level of Italian and Spanish football underscore his quality as a professional.
International career
Roberto Soriano has represented the Italy national football team, earning several caps for the Azzurri. His international debut came on November 16, 2014, in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against Croatia, under then-coach Antonio Conte as per Transfermarkt.
Soriano's call-ups to the national squad were a recognition of his strong club form, particularly during his spells at Sampdoria and later Bologna, where his consistent performances in Serie A caught the eye of national team selectors. He typically featured as a central or attacking midfielder in the national team setup, reflecting his club role.
Over his international career, Soriano accumulated 8 caps for Italy. While he did not register any goals for the national team, his appearances demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest international level and contribute to the team's midfield dynamics. He was part of the squad during various qualification campaigns for major tournaments but did not feature in the final squads for a FIFA World Cup or UEFA European Championship.
His presence in the squad often provided a reliable option from the bench, offering energy and tactical flexibility to the midfield. Although his international career was not extensive, it highlights his standing as one of Italy's respected midfielders during his playing years. His commitment to the national cause was evident in his performances whenever given the opportunity to wear the blue of Italy.
What makes Roberto Soriano stand out
Roberto Soriano stands out primarily due to his exceptional versatility and consistent goal-scoring threat from midfield. Unlike many traditional midfielders, Soriano possesses a distinct knack for arriving in the box at the right moment, turning potentially decent attacks into genuine goal-scoring opportunities. This intelligent off-the-ball movement, combined with his composure, allows him to consistently contribute to his team's attacking output.
Another distinguishing trait is his remarkable durability and work rate. Soriano has maintained a high level of performance across multiple seasons and leagues, adapting his game to various tactical systems. His willingness to press opponents, track back, and engage in defensive duties makes him a complete midfielder who contributes significantly in both phases of play. This combination of offensive prowess and defensive diligence makes him a highly valued player by coaches.
"Soriano is a modern midfielder who combines technique with immense sacrifice for the team. He's a true leader on the pitch."