Euro 2020: Rising Stars – Manuel Locatelli of Italy

There are a lot of young players that are ready to show the world they are ready for the next step during Euro 2020, and this player is no exception.

One of the most talked-about young players of this tournament, and one that could really determine the direction his team goes in, is 23-year-old Italian midfielder, Manuel Locatelli.

Locatelli is a box-to-box midfielder who started his career in the youth system at Atalanta before moving on to Milan where he would make his professional debut.

In 2018, Locatelli would find himself on loan at Sassuolo, where he would be allowed to move up the pitch and make the box-to-box position his own.

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He would join Sassuolo permanently at the end of his loan spell and has excelled ever since, earning himself a spot in Roberto Mancini’s Italy side despite only making his international debut in 2020.

Locatelli has gone from strength to strength over the last two years, controlling the midfield area for club and country.

In Serie A in 2020/21, Locatelli made 1.1 key passes per 90, with 2 shots per 90 alongside 1 long dribbler per 90, showing his willingness to push forward and create opportunities.

Locatelli’s passing is one of his best attributes, making 80.9 passes per 90 in Serie A with an 88% success rate, but it’s in the midfield three for Italy where he is allowed freedom and excels. For Italy, Locatelli makes 1.7 key passes per 90 and 66 passes per 90 at an 88% success rate.

Defensively the Italian midfielder has not lost his roots and makes 2.4 tackles per 90 with 1.5 interceptions per 90 in Serie A. This is less so for Italy as he plays a little further up.

For Italy, Locatelli is an integral part of its midfield three and has a lot of freedom so do not be surprised if he pops up with several goals and assists during this year’s tournament.

Locatelli is rumoured to be signing for Juventus, but Manchester City do have an interest in the player, possibly his performances could see him in the Premier League soon. If not, he will be at the top level very soon.

Look out for him in Group A, alongside Turkey, Wales, and Switzerland.