Nicolò Zaniolo

[Cochise]

I might be wrong but I think this is why he’s targeting players like Zaniolo and Paqueta. Both look like good ball carriers and good at making runs and that’s the kind of creative player we seem to be after rather than the Maddison type.

They do look very similar stylistically. Hard to judge because of Paqueta playing in Ligue 1, but I think he looks the better player.

 

[barry]

They do look very similar stylistically. Hard to judge because of Paqueta playing in Ligue 1, but I think he looks the better player.

Based off nothing but highlights, Paqueta looks more multifaceted, but Zaniolo looks much better at ball carrying.
I'd prefer Maddison, because I know, and like, what he brings to the table, plus he's improving every year. Saying that I trust Conte implicitly so if Zaniolo's his number one, I'm happy.

 

[punkisback]

The creative label is very boring and overused. We will create plenty with the wing backs and front 3 along with the odd forward runs from the centre backs and central midfielders. I never get this obsession with a creative player and the number 10 label. Another player like Kulusevski would be fantastic and add to the overall depth in quality. We have different forms of creativity but need it in depth as that's been our problem.

I think the issue isn’t creativity per se. But more variety. Wing backs can create chances but you want a lock picker someone who can create with flair and tricky ball control. Using wingbacks is quite one dimensional and really only works if they are excellent distributors. Also it’s sad to see that as spurs fans we seem averse to technicality and flair and nowadays prefer to praise on athleticism and work rage

 

[spids]

the front 3 apart there is a dearth of creativity in the side none of the midfield players are what could be called creative or killer final ball players - its alright saying the wing backs but neither Doherty or Emerson are good enough and Spence we don't know yet - Perisic is a good player on the left and will add something out wide but Sessegnon needs to improve greatly at both ends - that's why some think adding a creative midfield player who offers both a goal threat and creative presence would add greatly to the squad and give us other options

You are correct that this season the WBs need to be a lot better than last offensively. They are key to creating chances in Conte's system and patterns of play. Sessegnon actually had outstanding stats for chances created last season and is deceptively effective. I have no worries about him, especially as we also have the world class Perisic at LWB.

RWB is more concerning, especially as Conte seems to have Emerson and Moura as his first choices (based on limited pre-season games so far). Spence may take 2-3 months ot learn the patterns and gain Conte's trust, and even then his final ball is unproven.

Whilst Conte has had creative midfielder in his teams, he prefers not to rely on individuals and wants his team to play in specific patterns. This is why Fabregas took a long time to get into Conte's team, ditto for Eriksen. Also worth noting that Conte did not see either as his type of player (inheriting one and getting the other landed on him by his chairman).

Fabregas on Conte:

"I think with Antonio, it was the first time that I’ve seen someone know exactly [what they want] … It was like going to school. I promise you, he will tell you, from the goalkeeper until you have scored a goal, what you have to do, exactly everything ... Maybe it’s in a different way to how I saw football. At the beginning, it was difficult for me, don’t get me wrong. A lot of running, a lot of intensity. Big sessions, double sessions, gym sessions.

"I had coaches like Pep [Guardiola] who had a lot of positioning game but we had freedom inside of this. With Conte, the freedom was non-existent, he was telling me where I have to pass the ball.

"I’m 29 years old in that moment, I’ve already played for 13 years, I played in every final, I won a lot of things and this guy is telling me where I need to pass the ball."

 

[ralphs bald spot]

You are correct that this season the WBs need to be a lot better than last offensively. They are key to creating chances in Conte's system and patterns of play. Sessegnon actually had outstanding stats for chances created last season and is deceptively effective. I have no worries about him, especially as we also have the world class Perisic at LWB.

RWB is more concerning, especially as Conte seems to have Emerson and Moura as his first choices (based on limited pre-season games so far). Spence may take 2-3 months ot learn the patterns and gain Conte's trust, and even then his final ball is unproven.

Whilst Conte has had creative midfielder in his teams, he prefers not to rely on individuals and wants his team to play in specific patterns. This is why Fabregas took a long time to get into Conte's team, ditto for Eriksen. Also worth noting that Conte did not see either as his type of player (inheriting one and getting the other landed on him by his chairman).

Fabregas on Conte:

but the point remains that we are Kane injury away from being a side with very little creativity - you can have all the patterns of play you want but you still need someone to pass the bloody football - but I do wonder where a so called 'creative' player fits in under Conte's structure most probably effectively as an old inside forward.

we have a midfield that is very similar with very little goal threat , they are not overly creative and pinning our hopes on the wing backs is optimistic at best, Perisic apart and I am not convinced that he is primarily a wing back the others who we have seen don't fill me with a huge amount of confidence lets hope Spence can hit the heights

Perhaps another midfield player who can contribute with both a few goals and can create or help create, might make the squad a little more complete

 

[Aphex]

Maybe Conte prefers Zaniolo because of his physique.

No Idea what Paqueta is like btw. Zaniolo looks built for the PL though, looks like he can bully players.

Conte seems to be building a team of units, and Zaniolo fits into this perfectly.

 

[arunspurs]

Way I feel Conte sees Zaniolo is like a bowling ball which can ram through the pins in center of the pitch and carry the ball.
Zaniolo also has certain good skills like, very good switch of plays - flattish long passes which could really help in transitions.

 

[spursfan77]

They do look very similar stylistically. Hard to judge because of Paqueta playing in Ligue 1, but I think he looks the better player.

I’d rather go for the player playing in the better league. I still think there’s a left field option out there. Most of the signings have been out of the blue, it’s possible the next one will be too.

 

[AJW]

Could potentially be connected although don’t know if he’s a more defensive option

 

[spids]

Could potentially be connected although don’t know if he’s a more defensive option

It appears that Mourinho will play Dybala and Pellegrini behind Abraham, and then a 3-man CM behind them (with players like Matic). Wijnaldum will slot into that 3 man CM. Cannot see where Zaniolo fits into a Mourinho side TBH.

 

[spids]

but the point remains that we are Kane injury away from being a side with very little creativity - you can have all the patterns of play you want but you still need someone to pass the bloody football - but I do wonder where a so called 'creative' player fits in under Conte's structure most probably effectively as an old inside forward.

The whole point is that Conte thinks patterns of play are more creative than having a flair player. If Kane is injured we could still have Perisic and Spence on the flanks, with Kulusevski, Son and Richarlison up top. Zaniolo is wanted to supplement that further.

 

[mil1lion]

I think the issue isn’t creativity per se. But more variety. Wing backs can create chances but you want a lock picker someone who can create with flair and tricky ball control. Using wingbacks is quite one dimensional and really only works if they are excellent distributors. Also it’s sad to see that as spurs fans we seem averse to technicality and flair and nowadays prefer to praise on athleticism and work rage

Again though it's the term creative when in reality creativity comes in different forms. I'm sure people still love a technician and Zaniolo ticks the technical and flair box anyway. It's just the "we need more creativity" line that gets thrown around every season. It comes up any time we struggle to break a team down. As if Leicester never struggle when Maddison plays. Besides whichever type of player we go for is mostly to play in the support forward of a 343 so it's not really a good fit for an Eriksen type (I'm sure that's why we didn't push hard for him). I see Zaniolo as the best fit for the formation.

Its all about creating chances from different positions more than what style of player creates it. I'm surprised people are concerned to be honest because we will create a hell of a lot this season. Kulusevski made a big difference and he will be here from the start. Perisic and Richarlison will offer far more than Reguilon and Bergwijn. Spence will offer pace that we didn't have at right wing back. Lenglet will add a new dynamic of passing from the back. Bissouma and Bentancur (from the start) will help gain control in midfield so we can play more on the front foot. If we add Zaniolo then he will only add further to our attacking options.

 

[wrd]

You are correct that this season the WBs need to be a lot better than last offensively. They are key to creating chances in Conte's system and patterns of play. Sessegnon actually had outstanding stats for chances created last season and is deceptively effective. I have no worries about him, especially as we also have the world class Perisic at LWB.

RWB is more concerning, especially as Conte seems to have Emerson and Moura as his first choices (based on limited pre-season games so far). Spence may take 2-3 months ot learn the patterns and gain Conte's trust, and even then his final ball is unproven.

Whilst Conte has had creative midfielder in his teams, he prefers not to rely on individuals and wants his team to play in specific patterns. This is why Fabregas took a long time to get into Conte's team, ditto for Eriksen. Also worth noting that Conte did not see either as his type of player (inheriting one and getting the other landed on him by his chairman).

Fabregas on Conte:

I don't know what caused Conte to have such an intense need for control of everything but by god I hope he never finds out.

 

[spids]

I think the issue isn’t creativity per se. But more variety. Wing backs can create chances but you want a lock picker someone who can create with flair and tricky ball control. Using wingbacks is quite one dimensional and really only works if they are excellent distributors. Also it’s sad to see that as spurs fans we seem averse to technicality and flair and nowadays prefer to praise on athleticism and work rage

We did score 27 goals in our last 11 games of the season (once the system clicked and Kulusevski and Bentancur were settled), and looked incredibly creative, with our front three firing. In that same period we only conceded 5 goals. Doherty, who was really in a rich vein of form, was then injured for the last 7 of those games and thus we could have been even better. Add in Perisic to that , and we are very creative IMO.

Also add in the fact we have a new set-piece coach and are signing giants, I expect us to be able to score against park the bus teams. Maybe that is why he wants Zaniolo - he will throw him on and tell him to win free kicks in the final third.

 

[Aphex]

Checked redcafe out (as it's a busy forum with lots of non United fans too) to see if there were any opinions of Zaniolo on there and found these.

Like the look of this Roma team brewing under Jose. Those counter attacks!! ?

Zaniolo is so talented.

Once he gets going on a run he's absolutely unstoppable. Such a brutally strong guy.

Feels like a throwback player. Probably modelled his playing style on Kaka.

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Zaniolo has been superb

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Very unique type of player. Massive shame his knees are made of chewing gum.

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That touch from Zaniolo was perfect.

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Cruyff turning a high ball to control it is very nice technique

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Zaniolo is undoubtedly a good player with a lot of potential.

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Zaniolo looks an interesting player. Any chance we could make a move for him?

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Zaniolo was good second half. He could play a big part in the run in.

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Zaniolo is incredible at times. What a save by Reina.

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croadyman said:


Yeah a forward who can play on the right side but also offer cover down the middle as well

Yeah pretty much what I was thinking too. Nobody really comes to mind. Antony would cost a fortune and I don't think can play down the middle.

A player in the profile of Zaniolo would be interesting, but would he very unlikely and probably very expensive. Tough market for attacking talent.

 

[Joshua shepherd]

We did score 27 goals in our last 11 games of the season (once the system clicked and Kulusevski and Bentancur were settled), and looked incredibly creative, with our front three firing. In that same period we only conceded 5 goals. Doherty, who was really in a rich vein of form, was then injured for the last 7 of those games and thus we could have been even better. Add in Perisic to that , and we are very creative IMO.

Also add in the fact we have a new set-piece coach and are signing giants, I expect us to be able to score against park the bus teams. Maybe that is why he wants Zaniolo - he will throw him on and tell him to win free kicks in the final third.

We also failed to score in consecutive games against Brighton and Brentford, as well as beating Burnley by a solitary penalty - three well organised teams who we simply couldn’t break down on the day.

 

[cliff jones]

We also failed to score in consecutive games against Brighton and Brentford, as well as beating Burnley by a solitary penalty - three well organised teams who we simply couldn’t break down on the day.

this is key. All three opposing coaches played a system and personnel to stifle Kane and we didn't have an answer.

 

[N'Obody]

It appears that Mourinho will play Dybala and Pellegrini behind Abraham, and then a 3-man CM behind them (with players like Matic). Wijnaldum will slot into that 3 man CM. Cannot see where Zaniolo fits into a Mourinho side TBH.

Makes me wonder if this will be the 3rd world class player under mourinho to go on and do great things.. With roma regretting it down the line.. KDB, Salah. Players with great potential to go onto become World beaters.

 

[Fredo]

Zaniolo will be better for us than Maddison.

 

[mil1lion]

We also failed to score in consecutive games against Brighton and Brentford, as well as beating Burnley by a solitary penalty - three well organised teams who we simply couldn’t break down on the day.

Exactly why someone like Zaniolo off the bench will help along with the other signings we've made. I don't think there will be many teams we don't score against this season. It will also help when we play Brighton that we have their best player now