According to Calciomercato, Tottenham Hotspur have identified Riccardo Sottil as one of their main targets. It is believed that the Lilywhites are monitoring the progress of the Fiorentina winger this season. They could even make a move for him next summer as they aim to undergo an overhaul in the attacking department.
Sottil’s rapid rise to prominence
Sottil was initially a product of the Torino youth academy before he moved to Florence in February 2016. He then impressed the onlookers, rising through the youth ranks at Fiorentina at a quick rate. He didn’t even get to the reserve side before he was promoted to the senior team last summer.
However, the youngster was sent out on loan to Pescara in January earlier this year. He made quite an impression at Pescara, featuring in ten Serie B matches, during which he scored one goal and provided two assists.
It may not be a jaw-dropping statistics. But, Sottil’s contributions in attack helped Pescara finished fourth in the Italian second division last season.
As a result, the winger returned to Fiorentina this summer, having already featured in two games for the Violas. He was on the bench in against Juventus but will likely play a key role for the club during the remainder of the campaign.
What can he bring to the table?
Sottil is primarily a left-winger, who is mainly known for the sheer pace that makes him a scourge for the opposing defenders, especially on the counter. He loves to take on players as well. His quick-feet and relatively shorter 1.80m frame allows him to nestle through tight spaces.
Keeping the ball at his feet and running at defenders at full speed is one of Sottil’s biggest assets. Added to that, he can create a lot of chances in the final third, thanks to his tendency to drift into the byline and provide dangerous crosses into the box.
Should Tottenham make a move for Sottil?
It’s too early for Tottenham or anyone to judge the overall quality of Sottil. The youngster has featured in only two league games so far, and it would perhaps be wiser for the Lilywhites to monitor his progress throughout the rest of the campaign before coming to a conclusion.
If Sottil does manage to impress, he could be a smart long-term investment for Spurs. The Premier League giants already have a talented attacking department, and the addition of Sottil would further strengthen their depth, though the youngster, one way or another, would be integrated into the first-team.
