According to a recent report by Il Tempo, Liverpool does not consider AS Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo as a priority target heading into the summer transfer window. The same source has also mentioned that the Reds had ‘taken a few steps’ towards recruiting the Italian playmaker, but there has been nothing concrete to report so far. It is believed that Zaniolo’s €80m price-tag might drop due to current economic conditions generated by the COVID-19 pandemic (Il Tempo).
Zaniolo’s Impressive Form In Italian Football Before His Long-Term Injury
The 20-year-old is currently out injured with a cruciate ligament rupture. However, there is no denying the positive impact Zaniolo has made at the Stadio Olimpico during this campaign. He has produced several eye-catching performances as part of Paulo Fonseca’s attack this season. The Massa-born starlet has banged in six goals and provided two assists in 24 matches for the Italian outfit this term across all competitions which sheds light on his growing influence in the Serie A.
The former Inter Milan youngster has averaged 1.9 shots, 1.0 key passes and 2.4 dribbles in every 90 minutes of league football this season (stats via whoscored). However, he has performed even better in Europe after averaging 2.0 shots, 1.7 key passes and 4.2 dribbles per game in the six UEFA Europa League games he has featured so far (stats via whoscored).
Zaniolo has also made a decent start to his international career after scoring two goals in five senior appearances for the Italian national side. If he can show some signs of consistency following his return from injury later this year, then he would have a good chance of being named in Roberto Mancini’s squad for next year’s UEFA European Championship finals.
What Will The Five-Time Italy International Bring To The Table?
Zaniolo is a moderately paced attacking midfielder who can complete some dangerous dribbles in and around the opposition penalty box using his low centre of gravity, terrific balance and excellent close control of the ball. He also works hard for the benefit of his team and is not afraid to put his strength and aggression to good use when trying to get the better of his marker in the final third.
The Italian has also got an eye for a killer pass but needs to work on his final delivery if he intends to pick up more assists in the future. He has transformed himself into a productive goal-scorer from midfield but still has a lot of room for improvement.
Should The Reds Change Their Stance On Zaniolo This Summer?
Zaniolo is far from a finished product, so it makes sense for Liverpool to take a cautious approach with regards to recruiting him. The Reds will be better of staying put for now and should only consider making a move for him if the Roma youngster can improve his productivity in the coming seasons.
At the moment, Jurgen Klopp has no room for someone like Zaniolo in his squad as the trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are nailed-on starters in his first-team. Plus, Divock Origi, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino can provide enough cover for the attacking positions next season.
Signing a player like Zaniolo could also hamper the progress made by the likes of Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Harry Wilson as it will close the door for them to get more first-team experience in the years to come. With all things considered, the Merseyside giants should not alter their stance on Zaniolo this summer.
