“He’s a great talent, one who sees the play before anyone else,” De Zerbi said of Locatelli in October 2020. Manuel Locatelli 2020/21 Serie A Stats Games For example, he has only garnered two goals and the same amount in assists this term, but he is at the heart of everything good about De Zerbi’s side. Locatelli’s contribution to a team isn’t the sort that can be easily measured in goals and assists. Locatelli isn’t the quickest of midfielders, but his quickest asset – like all good playmakers – is his brain. Who is Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli? Midfield artist wanted by Juventus and Man City How good is Manuel Locatelli? Locatelli can also operate on the right-side of a three-man midfield, but he doesn’t look particularly comfortable shuttling up and down. Whilst Locatelli still has some way to go before he can equal Pirlo’s achievements in the game, he has unquestionably emerged as the best in the position since Pirlo’s retirement from the Italian national side in 2015. Roberto De Zerbi, who is one of the most sought-after coaches in Serie A at present, has established Locatelli as Italy’s best deep-lying playmaker since the days of Andrea Pirlo. Locatelli initiates all of Sassuolo’s play, dictating the rhythm of a match and sets attacks in motion. Locatelli operates in central midfield role, usually as a regista. What position does Manuel Locatelli play in? Locatelli, now 23, has emerged as one of Italy’s best midfielders during his stint with the side from Emilia-Romagna, and has been continually linked with a move to Juve this coming summer as a result of his form. However, the turmoil behind the scenes at the club and a succession of coaches saw Locatelli sold to Sassuolo in the summer of 2018, as he’d lost his place in the Milan starting XI. He rattled in a memorable goal for Milan against Juventus at the beginning of the 2016/17 campaign, and big things were expected of the youngster. The stylish midfielder rose through the ranks of the Rossoneri fairly quickly, making his debut at the age of 18 in the 2015/16 season. Manuel Locatelli was a product of the Atalanta and Milan youth set-up.

Emmet Gates Updated: 15:43 BST 4 min read

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