Former Italy legend Andrea Pirlo has heaped praise on young starlet Sandro Tonali by stating the Brescia midfielder is a more a complete player than he was.
The 20-year-old is viewed as one of Italy’s brightest young stars, with the likes of Juventus, Inter, AC Milan, Napoli and Roma all linked with a move for his services at the end of the season.
Tonali is often compared to Pirlo, but the 40-year-old believes all they have in common is their hair and the fact they both played for Brescia, as he believes the youngster is a more complete player than he was.
“They say that Tonali could be [my heir],” he told Nicolo De Devitiis during an Instagram Live video. “In my opinion, he isn’t like me as a footballer.
“He looks like me because of his long hair and because he plays for Brescia. For me, he is a different type of player.
“He is more complete, both in defence and playmaking. He is a mix between me and other players.
“He is certainly the most promising midfielder there is in Italy. I don’t see him as my heir because his style of play is different from mine, but he can certainly become a great player.”
So far this season Tonali has one goal in 24 appearances for Brescia.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com