Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly drawn up a three-man defender shortlist ahead of the summer – which includes Alessandro Bastoni. A player that in 2019, said Antonio Conte was the “Lionel Messi of coaches”.
The Telegraph report that Inter Milan defender Bastoni – who cost the Nerrazzuri a fee of £26million (One Football) in 2017 – is on a defender list at Spurs. The other names are Sven Botman and Josko Gvardiol.
Bastoni, 22, has sparkled for Inter since joining the club from Atalanta. While he was very young after his move, he broke into the side regularly under Conte and has since clocked up 101 appearances in all competitions.
Naturally gifted on the ball to the extent he could play in midfield, Bastoni has won nine Italy caps and can play anywhere in Conte’s back three. Quoted by Bleacher Report in 2019, he gave his verdict on the Spurs boss.
He claimed that Conte is the Messi of coaches, branding him phenomenal: “As far as I am concerned, Conte is the Messi of coaches. He is phenomenal, has exceptional footballing ideas and always wants to go on the attack.”
Bastoni on Conte: Inter star is the perfect signing for Tottenham
That is, if we compare him to the other two names mentioned. Botman is a top, top defender. He helped Lille win Ligue 1 last term. But he is ideal for Eric Dier’s position – and the England man really does not need replacing.
It is on the left of the back three that requires strengthening. Gvardiol can play there, but he lacks the agility, pace and ball-playing attributes of Bastoni. The Italian can also cover on the right, or in the middle.
Inter are likely to charge a lot for Bastoni but given that he has worked under Conte and regularly plays on the left of the three – he is ideal. Especially, given he is a big fan of the current Spurs gaffer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
