Yesterday’s goal could mark a turning point for the German center-back, who now could become an extra tool in Ranieri’s arsenal.

The start of the season for Mats Hummels has been nothing short of complicated. From his arrival at the close of the transfer window, through numerous (countless) exclusions, up to yesterday’s game against Tottenham. The German on social media commented on his performance with a striking statement accompanying a photo of the scored goal: “Finally, something is going in the right direction”. In fact, yesterday was a mix of pleasure and pain, initially causing a penalty with a late tackle on Sarr and then finding the winning thrust that led to the last-minute draw. In the aftermath of the match, Ranieri showered him with praises and now shares a mutual hope with the entire Roma community – to have finally rediscovered the central figure who had dominated the fields across half of Europe for so many years.