Why Sandro Tonali would be a smart signing for Manchester City
Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Daily Mail) have confirmed that Manchester City are keeping close tabs on Bresica Calcio’s young midfielder Sandro Tonali.
The Premier League champions are reported to have sent scouts to watch Tonali in action against AS Roma, which Brescia eventually lost 3-0 at home.
The 19-year-old was instrumental in Brescia’s Serie B title-winning campaign last season and helped them get promoted to the Serie A. In 12 games, he has scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists so far.
Since getting a taste of Italy’s top-flight, Tonali has been impressive to an extent. Often likened to Juventus and AC Milan legend Andrea Pirlo, Tonali believes that he also has elements of Gennaro Gattuso in his style of play, according to Daily Mail.
Manchester City, who recently won against Chelsea 2-1, have not been commanding in their defence line since Vincent Kompany’s exit and the injury to Aymeric Laporte. As a result, Pep is utilizing defensive midfielder Fernandinho at the back.
Their defence was easily breached by Liverpool before the international break and their midfield has looked weak at times. To that end, Sandro Tonali would be a good buy for City.
The Lodi-born midfielder has played 66 matches so far for Brescia. With Rodri begin City’s only defensive-minded midfielder, barring Fernandinho, Tonali would be a suitable option for Pep Guardiola.
Tonali recently earned a call-up to Italy’s squad for the Euro qualifiers. He has played 3 games for the national side thus far.
A naturally right-footed player, he as the potential to adapt to different positions.
According to Whoscored, Tonali has contributed with an average of 0.8 shots, 2.1 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game. In defensive situations, he has registered an average of 1.1 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 1 clearance per game in the league.
The midfielder is also capable of taking set-pieces and is quite a threat in those situations.
His versatility would be of immense help for Pep at Manchester City. Potentially playing alongside Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne in City’s midfield, Tonali has all the tools to succeed in the Premier League.
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Verdict
Daily Mail further reports that Brescia want an offer of £256m to sell the midfielder. Manchester City must not see this as a problem and instead, make use of their heavyweight tag to lure him to England.
In Tonali, City would have a complete midfielder on a long-term basis. Thus, signing him must be a top priority for the Manchester club.