Sold by Tottenham, Federico Fazio among best in the world, says Batistuta

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Gabriel Batistuta believes former Tottenham Hotspur defender is among the best in the world.

Tottenham have pulled off some impressive transfer deals over the past few years… but Federico Fazio was not among them.

The Argentine defender struggled to hold down a first team place after joining from Sevilla and struggled to adapt to he pace of the Premier League.

After a successful season at Roma on loan last season, he was sold permanently, with The Mail citing a cut price figure of £3.4 million as Spurs sought to get him off their books.

Fazio has impressed at Roma, so much so that legendary compatriot Gabriel Batistuta rates him among the best centre-backs in world football.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, Batistuta name dropped Fazio alongside the best defenders in the world today.

Batistuta said when asked about who were the best defenders he went up against: “Baresi, Nesta, Maldini, Chamot, Vierchowod.. I think it was more difficult to get passed these than the players. Now I like Sergio Ramos, Fazio, Godin, Mascherano, Pique and Varane.”

Perhaps Batistuta is a little biased towards Fazio as he is his countryman, but to be fair, the centre-back’s performances at Roma have been excellent over the past 18 months.

Unfortunately for Fazio, Batistuta’s former Argentina teammate Mauricio Pochettino did not rate him as highly, and decided against using him regularly for Spurs before electing to move him on.