[article]Speaking in an interview with the Corriere Dello Sport, Brescia owner Massimo Cellino revealed:
‘Roma have asked me about Tonali. I’ve talked with [sporting director Mauro] Baldissoni several times. But I want to keep the boy as long as possible.’
‘Is he ready yet? I don’t know. He’s still only 18. But a little while ago, Liverpool have also contacted me.’[/article]
More from 101gg:
Tonali, an 18-year-old deep-lying midfielder, came up through the youth ranks of Brescia, before breaking into the club’s first-team setup last season at the tender age of 17.
And the gifted teen has since gone on to establish himself as one of, if not the most highly-regarded young player in Italy.
After being transformed from an attacking midfielder to a regista, the role made iconic in Italy by Andrea
Pirlo, Tonali quickly drew comparisons with the AC Milan and Juventus legend.
Like Pirlo, who also came up through the Brescia academy, the starlet is renowned for his calm on the ball, range of passing, and set-piece prowess.
After racking up 18 Serie B appearances last season, Tonali has since gone on to establish himself as a near ever-present in the Biancoazzurri’s midfield to this point in the current campaign, having failed to start just 1 league outing.
In addition, he has notched a goal and 5 assists across these showings.
Perfectly showcasing just how highly thought of Tonali is in his home country was the fact that Roberto Mancini opted to call the midfielder up to Italy’s senior squad in November of last year, despite the fact that he has never featured in a Serie A fixture.
***
Sounds like a really interesting prospect ...
@Roopy - seen him play?
‘Roma have asked me about Tonali. I’ve talked with [sporting director Mauro] Baldissoni several times. But I want to keep the boy as long as possible.’
‘Is he ready yet? I don’t know. He’s still only 18. But a little while ago, Liverpool have also contacted me.’[/article]
More from 101gg:
Tonali, an 18-year-old deep-lying midfielder, came up through the youth ranks of Brescia, before breaking into the club’s first-team setup last season at the tender age of 17.
And the gifted teen has since gone on to establish himself as one of, if not the most highly-regarded young player in Italy.
After being transformed from an attacking midfielder to a regista, the role made iconic in Italy by Andrea
Pirlo, Tonali quickly drew comparisons with the AC Milan and Juventus legend.
Like Pirlo, who also came up through the Brescia academy, the starlet is renowned for his calm on the ball, range of passing, and set-piece prowess.
After racking up 18 Serie B appearances last season, Tonali has since gone on to establish himself as a near ever-present in the Biancoazzurri’s midfield to this point in the current campaign, having failed to start just 1 league outing.
In addition, he has notched a goal and 5 assists across these showings.
Perfectly showcasing just how highly thought of Tonali is in his home country was the fact that Roberto Mancini opted to call the midfielder up to Italy’s senior squad in November of last year, despite the fact that he has never featured in a Serie A fixture.
***
Sounds like a really interesting prospect ...
@Roopy - seen him play?
