Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are interested in signing Nicolo Zaniolo from AS Roma in the summer transfer window, according to Calciomercato.
Liverpool are reportedly considering signing Zaniolo, who can play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger, but Juventus and Atletico Madrid have a similar idea.
Would Nicolo Zaniolo make Liverpool better?
In our view, Zaniolo would make Liverpool a better and more potent team in attack.
The Italy international is one of the best young attacking players in Serie A who has played predominately as a right winger this season.
AS Roma head coach Jose Mourinho has used the youngster as a centre-forward as well.
Zaniolo has scored two goals and provided one assist in 19 Serie A starts so far this season.
Now, of course, we know that Liverpool signed Luis Diaz from FC Porto in the January transfer window.
Diaz is a winger, but Zaniolo is younger, is more versatile and “can play anywhere in the middle of the pitch”, according to former AS Roma and Italy international central defender Dario Bonetti in TMW this month.
Paul Pogba comparisons
Zaniolo has also been compared to Manchester United and France international midfielder Paul Pogba as well by Italy head coach Roberto Mancini.
Former Manchester City manager Mancini said in Goal.com in February 2019: “I’ve seen some qualities, he’s completely different from [Nicolo] Barella, Jorginho and [Marco] Verratti. He has the characteristics to do very well.
“The comparison with Pogba is there, but now he needs calm and patience or even he will get into trouble.”
Former England and Roma head coach Fabio Capello has also compared Zaniolo to Pogba.
Capello said in February 2019: “Both Pogba and Zaniolo always look to play the ball. They never go for the safe option. They look for more and go towards their opponents’ goal.
“It’s a sign of confidence, desire to take risks and character. That’s very important. He always keeps the ball, looks to get past his opponent and aim for goal.
“It’s the same thing that Pogba does. They both look for assists and shoot well from distance. He has character, strength and quality.”
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