Rio Ferdinand told Match of the Day on BBC One (26/06/21 at 7:45 pm) that Tottenham-linked, Leonardo Spinazzola, is having an impressive Euro 2020 campaign.
The former England player claimed that the forward-thinking left-back is ‘ahead of the ball 90% of the time’.
The Express have claimed that the Roma player has emerged as a target for Tottenham this summer – the 28-year-old can play anywhere on the left-hand side.
But with Italy through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020, one area of the pitch has caught Ferdinand’s eye.
“The left-hand side for Italy I think it’s been one of the best areas to watch from any team at this tournament,” said Ferdinand. “The way that they hold the width. He’s a left-back, by the way, playing almost like a left-winger.
“90% of the time, he is ahead of the ball. He gets in one v one all the time – he attacks the box from both sides.
“He wants to affect the game and by doing that he has got to come in (the penalty area). Close the pitch up and then he gets opportunities to shoot.
“When he does get on the ball. He is direct. He makes decisions quickly and he’s somebody who makes the opposing fullback think – in terms of stats, dribbles and open play crosses, he’s number one in this team.
“He just stays in the game and he has a real good feel for the game.”
Well, someone with Tottenham connections might just enjoy the performances of Spinazzola and he is one Jose Mourinho.
Whilst interest in Spinazzola ramps up, there’s no way Mourinho will want him to leave because he seems like a perfect fit for the three-time Premier League winner.
The relentless nature of his game, how he makes the right calls when on the ball and his intelligent positional sense is something Mourinho will love.
Spinazzola has been one of the standout stars of the tournament, but he’ll face his biggest test yet when they lock horns with Belgium on Friday.
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