Barcelona handed reality check over Bastoni transfer by French icon: ‘Don’t see him as a top-class leader’
Barcelona’s search for defensive stability continues to gather pace, with Alessandro Bastoni on the club’s radar. The Inter Milan centre-back has emerged as a priority target for the Catalan gian...
Barcelona handed reality check over Bastoni transfer by French icon: ‘Don’t see him as a top-class leader’ Barcelona’s search for defensive stability continues to gather pace, with Alessandro Bastoni on the club’s radar. The Inter Milan centre-back has emerged as a priority target for the Catalan giants, who are keen to address long-standing issues at the back under Hansi Flick. As negotiations between the two clubs continue to attract attention across Europe, former France international Marcel Desailly has offered a detailed assessment of Bastoni’s qualities and whether he is the right fit for Barcelona’s ambitions.
Speaking during his appearance on The Italian Football Podcast (h/t SPORT ), Desailly first highlighted the Italian defender’s reliability and consistency, two traits that have defined his time in Serie A. “He is a very consistent player. I think he’s been at Inter for seven seasons and has performed well regardless of who the manager has been.
” Bastoni’s limitations Despite acknowledging his strengths, Desailly was quick to point out what he believes is a crucial limitation in Bastoni’s profile. While the defender has played a key role in Inter’s domestic success, the Frenchman questioned whether he possesses the leadership qualities required at the very highest level. “I don’t see him as a top-class international leader, but it’s clear he’s a player who knows how to adapt to the systems in place.
“That’s where his limitations lie. He has most likely helped Inter win the Scudetto this season, but that’s where I see his limitations at international level. ” Barcelona’s interest Barcelona are interested in Bastoni.