In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo has mentioned that Real Madrid could join the race for Sassuolo midfield ace Manuel Locatelli this summer. It is believed that Los Blancos will have to compete with Manchester City and Juventus in pursuit of the Italian playmaker in this off-season (via Mundo Deportivo).
Locatelli’s Impressive Form In Italian Football Last Season
Locatelli has experienced a solid season in Italian football as he was responsible for putting in a series of consistent performances at the centre of the Sassuolo midfield. The Italian talent appeared in 34 matches for his current employers last season, scoring four goals and picking up three assists in league football.
The Lecco-born sensation has given a good account of himself by averaging 2.4 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.7 clearances, 1.2 shots, 1.1 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A football. He even distributed the ball relatively well from midfield after making 88.3% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Locatelli has been maturing into a top talent at the Mapei Stadium over the past ten months which is why he could be a shrewd signing for Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti to pursue during this summer transfer window.
What Will Locatelli Bring To The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium?
Locatelli can read the danger quickly and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his side. He has shown great tenacity to get back and clear his lines when needed. The Italian midfield ace is a decent passer of the ball and can make some promising runs with the ball towards the opposition penalty box. He is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also function in a box to box role at the centre of the park.
The Sassuolo star had added some goals and assists to his game as well during the previous campaign. Hence, we can expect him to bring a lot of quality to Ancelotti’s midfield department at the Spanish capital. At 23, Locatelli is about to enter the peak years of his playing career, so the Madrid giants will fancy getting the best out of him in the coming seasons if they can find a way to bring him on board this summer.
Locatelli is good enough to offer some serious competition for Casemiro and Federico Valverde for a place in Ancelotti’s starting XI in the upcoming campaign. He will be an excellent option for Los Blancos to consider before the start of the new campaign as he could develop into a future star at the Bernabeu.
