Tottenham want ‘incisive’ 25-year-old that Conte has said is ‘perfect in every way’

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Tottenham are reportedly rivalling Liverpool for the signature of Italy and Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella – a player Antonio Conte previously managed, once saying the player is “perfect in every way” after a win over Juventus.

With the window slamming shut on September 1, interest from Premier League clubs in certain players has not stopped. Reports emerged this week that Tottenham are interested in Barella, with Conte ‘requesting’ Spurs sign him.

Indeed, it is believed Spurs tried to sign Barella in the summer – but Inter were having none of it. Now, reports claim that Inter would consider a sale if a fee of £60million is tabled. Liverpool are also said to be interested in the midfielder.

Following a 2-0 win over Juventus during the 2020-21 campaign in which Barella and Conte won Serie A at Inter, Conte was full of praise of his midfielder. He believes that Barella is “perfect in every way”, or at least, he was against Juve.

“Nicolo played a very good match, he did what I asked him. He was very good today, he was really very incisive. Many times he wastes energy due to excess of generosity or loses balls.

“Today I think he had the best game since I’ve been here. He was perfect in every respect, in his quality of play and use of the ball,” Conte said after Inter had beaten Juventus, in quotes published by Inter-based site Sempre Inter.

Tottenham rivalling Liverpool for Barella: Conte said he is perfect

Tottenham’s midfielders currently include Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur, Oliver Skipp and Yves Bissouma. They all hard-working, defensively-minded midfielders that are excellent on the ball, and crucially, in transition.

Those are the requirements to be in a Conte-style side. Barella is more than knowledgeable of this. He proved to be a crucial part of the Inter side that won Serie A. He, like the Spurs players, is excellent in terms of what Conte wants.

But where Barella differs from the other four players, is that he can score goals and create them on a regular basis. In 141 appearances for Inter, he has had a hand in 49 goals – scoring 12 and creating 37. That is why Spurs are keen.