Former Serie A captain Massimo Brambati believes Lazio star Manuel Lazzari has the ‘right characteristics’ to play for Antonio Conte’s Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur, speaking to TMW.
That feted 3-4-2-1 formation has become Conte’s calling card during a decade in top-level management.
It was he who re-introduced wing-backs to the mainstream, cruising to the Premier League title at Chelsea with Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses wreaking havoc down the flanks.
If Conte wants to succeed across the city, finding the right players to suit his tactical blueprint will be key.
Emerson Royal is impressing in a more attacking role since the Italian’s arrival. But the jury remains out on the other right-sided wing-back options at Conte’s disposal.
Matt Doherty thrived in that position at Wolves. His performances as a Spurs player, however, leave a lot to be desired.
Japhet Tanganga, meanwhile, struggled both offensively and defensively during Tottenham’s 3-0 hammering of Norwich City a fortnight ago.
So, enter Lazzari.
Is Manuel Lazzari the answer for Conte’s Tottenham?
According to Sport Mediaset, the 28-year-old Italy international is one of the name’s on Conte’s transfer tick-list heading into the January transfer window.
“I understood that, in the Premier League, Conte prefers to have ‘physical’ players,” says Brambati, a former Bari skipper who also represented Torino and Palermo.
“You can have running ability but, if you don’t have the physical structure, you struggle. The player has the running ability, he has the right characteristics but you have to see if it coincides with what the coach has in mind.
“I understand that he is happy with the attitude of the (Tottenham) team in training. But that there is a lot of work to be done and that the chairman (Daniel Levy) can give him some gifts.
“But I think the bulk (of the new signings) will be done in June.”
Lazio will be under no pressure to cash in on the buccaneering Lazzari.
The £15 million-rated wideman has three years left on his contract at the Stadio Olimpico.
Tottenham also made an approach for Gremio youngster Vanderson. Top-flight rivals Brentford will beat them to a £12 million deal however.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
