Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with Roma talent Nicolo Zaniolo – and Jose Mourinho continues to heap praise on him.
Zaniolo was tabbed as a huge star of the future after shining in his first two seasons at Roma following a 2018 arrival from Inter Milan.
However, not one but two torn anterior cruciate ligament injuries in 2020 halted his development.
Now back playing again, Zaniolo has yet to register a goal or an assist in Serie A this season.
Tottenham still being linked with Zaniolo
That record hasn’t stopped Tottenham continuing their pursuit of Zaniolo.
Calciomercato reported last month that Tottenham have renewed their interest in Zaniolo. Fabio Paratici is understood to be a big fan, and wanted him at Juventus.
Tottenham do need to find another playmaker in the near future, and 22-year-old Zaniolo could be their man.
Roma won’t sell easily though, and Tottenham would have to try and raid Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho comments on Zaniolo
Zaniolo is gutted to have missed out on the Italy squad for their UEFA Nations League finals games, starting with Spain on Wednesday.
Speaking after beating Empoli on Sunday, Mourinho was quoted by Football Italia as saying that Zaniolo has shown the right response to missing out.
Mourinho praised Zaniolo’s performance, especially as he keeps defending even when exhausted – and maybe Tottenham are watching too.
“I told him this is how you need to react to a moment of sadness. He expected to be in the Italy squad, I respect Roberto Mancini’s decision and Nico respected it too,” said Mourinho.
“He has been playing well and if he continues to play like this, he will be called up. He’s in good shape, also tries to defend even when he’s tired. I really liked his performances,” he added.
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