Sandro Tonali has become a regular for Tottenham since joining in the summer. Despite that, Antonio Cassano believes Italy have better options for the national team.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side beat competition from several clubs and the midfielder clarified his compatriot was key to the move.
So far at Tottenham, he has played 10 times in the Premier League. While he has provided a varying return, his influence has grown in recent weeks.
Despite that, not everyone is pleased.
Calo seen as better option
Antonio Cassano spoke to Viva El Futbol about Roberto Mancini’s dilemma regarding Italy’s midfield selection. Giacomo Calo has arguably been the best midfielder in Serie A this season but wasn’t called up to the national team.
This has raised some eyebrows in the press, which lead to Cassano reacting to Mancini’s selection.
He criticised the Tottenham player, suggesting Calo would offer more.
Casano said – via Calciomercato: “What Calo is doing is clear for all to see, I would have called him up. If you have Xavi, Iniesta, and Senna from Villarreal, Xabi Alonso, Busquets, I tell Giacomo I love him but he can stay at home.”
Cassano made it clear that neither Nicolo Fagioli nor Tonali are as good as Calo.
“But if Mancini is giving opportunities to young players and then you have players like Fagioli who is neither fish nor fowl, then Barella has been on a downward spiral for three or four years, Tonali is making a fool of himself at Tottenham.”
“I would have called Calo up for these two games, it’s the pitch that speaks for itself.”
The ex-striker praised the 29-year-old further, suggesting his agent should look at getting him a new club.
“Frosinone are sixth in the table, they’re doing well with a poor team, Alvini is doing a great job and Calo is the linchpin.”
“Calo is no Xavi, Iniesta, or Pirlo, but it bothers me that his agent is talking; he should keep quiet and negotiate with the teams. I’m not good at being a coach, but I would have called him because the pitch is where to do the talking.”
Players are completely different profiles
Calo has done really well in his first season in Serie A but he is a pure deep lying playmaker. He is not a physical profile and is far better as the deepest midfield option.
Tonali is different. He thrives going up and down the pitch and that is what he has done well at Tottenham. While not consistent, his strengths have been clear to see this season.
Cassano is being harsh with his assessment but Tonali and Calo can operate together. The Frosinone man would be a good addition to Mancini’s side, however, the Spurs star would be the last player to make way.
