Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli has told Super Deporte that his side have signed ‘one of the top players in the world’, in the form of Tottenham midfielder Gio Lo Celso. He is on loan until the end of the season.
Lo Celso, 25, was loaned out on deadline day by Tottenham along with Bryan Gil and Tanguy Ndombele – joining Valencia and Lyon respectively. Dele Alli was also sold, moving permanently to Frank Lampard’s Everton.
The Argentina international, despite his form for his country at Copa America, was afforded just 233 minutes of Premier League football before his move. He made his debut for Villarreal on Sunday.
The midfielder came on as a substitute during a crucial 2-0 win over Real Betis. Speaking this week, his Argentina and Villarreal teammate Rulli heaped praise on Lo Celso – claiming he is one of the best in the world.
“He gives us a plus as a team, he helps us improve and I don’t discover anything by saying that he is a top player in the world. I know him well as a player and a person, so I hope he does very well,” Rulli said on Lo Celso.
Rulli praises Lo Celso: Can Villarreal loan help Tottenham ace find form?
Lo Celso is capable of certainly becoming the kind of player Rulli says he is. His form at Copa America was incredible, partnering Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo De Paul in midfield. At Betis, Lo Celso was superb.
He was one of the best midfielders in La Liga when he joined Spurs. But injuries, changes of manager, and a lack of momentum prevented Lo Celso from returning to his best form. Antonio Conte prefers holding midfielders.
So, leaving Spurs, was in everyone’s best interests. Can he rediscover his previous La Liga and Argentina form at Villarreal? Well, firstly, he needs to break into Unai Emery’s side.
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