Mario Hermoso’s start to the season has been remarkable.

He’s played six games across the league and the Champions League, all as a starter and 93% of the total minutes.

He’s the irreplaceable member of the Giallorossi defense, and in Serie A he also scored the goal that temporarily tied the game 1-1 against Atalanta, sparking his teammates’ crucial comeback.

Between his lightning-fast passes and invaluable runs, one statistic highlights his importance in Gasp’s game plan.

As reported by Squawka, Hermoso leads the 2026-27 Serie A season in interceptions, with 16. He’s tied with Genoa midfielder Frendrup. And to think that, a year and a half ago, his stay in Rome was anything but a given.

After the first half of the 2024-25 season, the former Atlético Madrid defender was sent on loan to Bayer Leverkusen, but a tendon injury to his right pectoral muscle affected his German experience.

He then returned to the capital, but with his bags packed. At least until he met Gasperini, who placed his faith in him and placed him at the heart of Roma. Which is exactly what he is today.