THERE’S something about the footballing hot-bed of Rosario that keeps on producing pioneers of the beautiful game.
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi and Leeds boss Marcelo ‘El Loco’ Bielsa both hail from the Argentinian port city that’s been nicknamed ‘la cuna de futbol’ – the cradle of football.
Now, you can add to a list that also includes Mauro Icardi and Angel Di Maria, the name of Tottenham target Giovani Lo Celso.
A playmaker with some pedigree, Lo Celso’s potential arrival in North London is expected to coincide with Danish attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen leaving the club.
But, although they may be big boots to fill, Lo Celso is more than up to the task of being Spurs’ chief chance-creator.
The 23-year-old burst on to the scene in 2015 for his hometown club Rosario Central, before he was plucked from obscurity by Unai Emery at PSG.
He earned the nickname ‘Emery’s puppy’ because of the manager’s belief in his ability to play any role in his midfield three.
But when Thomas Tuchel replaced the now-Arsenal boss, Lo Celso was shipped out to Real Betis for £19.8million, where he was reborn.
BLIND YOUTH
From the age of 14, Lo Celso was playing in the youth teams of Rosario Central.
It wasn’t long before his talent got him noticed by first team coach Eduardo Coudet – a fan of expansive, free-flowing passing football.
Lo Celso flourished in the side nicknamed the ‘Rabble’ in 2015-16.
He was an integral part of a team that reached the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores.
While his performances in the Argentine Primera Division ensured that all the top clubs in Europe were keeping a watchful eye on the wonderkid.
PSG SWOOPED FIRST
The French giants moved quickly to secure the services of Lo Celso in a £8.5m deal in the summer of 2016, agreeing to loan him back to Rosario Central until the end of the year.
But in his first six months at PSG, chances in the first team were limited – with the likes of Marco Verratti and Adrien Rabiot running the the Parisians’ engine room.
That’s when Unai Emery hatched a plan – hoping to mould Lo Celso’s ability in a different role the following season.
He was played as a central defensive midfielder in a three, and was happy to get game time.
Emery told Sport France at the time: “He works with humility for opportunities, he earns minutes, it’s a progression he got with work.
“He’s a good example for everyone.”
Lo Celso was called ‘Emery’s puppy’ by French media outlets. Even former President of France Nicolas Sarkozy was a fan.
“I love Lo Celso, he is really a player to follow closely,” he once said.
BUT HE BECAME THE FALL GUY
More often than not, when PSG didn’t have possession, Lo Celso was deployed in a defensive role.
For all his ability on the ball, and his passing range and technical skill, he was found wanting when it came to acting as a screen to protect his defenders Thiago Silva and Marquinhos.
Despite his failure to adapt to a new position, Emery remained faithful to Lo Celso.
But that seemed criminal after a Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid in 2018.
PSG lost the first leg 3-1 in the Bernabeu, and Lo Celso had a stinker. He conceded a penalty, was booked and it looked like Los Blancos targeted him as the Ligue 1 side’s weak point.
PSG crashed out and Emery’s days at the club soon became numbered.
SPANISH EVOLUTION
When Thomas Tuchel arrived at the Parc des Princes, Lo Celso’s spell at the club was over.
The German manager didn’t fancy the Argentinian and duly shipped him out on loan to Real Betis last season, with a view to a permanent move at the end of that deal.
But rather than letting it affect him, Lo Celso seized his new opportunity.
And he was back to playing in a position that suited him more. Deployed as a No.10, he could orchestrate attacks for the Seville-based side.
More importantly, he was getting into the box and scoring goals with his trusted left-foot.
In 32 games in La Liga he scored nine times, while providing four assists, including stealing the show in a 4-3 away win against Barcelona.
He excelled further in the Europa League, scoring five times in seven outings.
WHY POCHETTINO WANTS HIM
With Christian Eriksen looking likely to depart with just a year left on his contract, Lo Celso could be seen as a direct replacement for the Spurs No.23.
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And they have their similarities. Lo Celso is a mean crosser of the ball, which will be music to Harry Kane’s ears if he fears being starved of the service he’s accustomed to from the Dane.
Lo Celso’s vision and passing ability have also drawn comparisons to former Spurs star Luka Modric, while his languid style reminiscent of Juan Roman Riquelme had Argentina fans at the recent Copa America admiring his swagger.
Should he perform anywhere near the capabilities of those two players, you can bet Spurs fans will have themselves a new hero this coming season.
https://textbacklinkexchanges.com/tottenham-target-giovani-lo-celso-was-born-in-rosario-like-messi-and-bielsa-and-has-been-compared-to-luka-modric-while-unai-emery-is-a-big-fan/
News Photo Tottenham target Giovani Lo Celso was born in Rosario like Messi and Bielsa and has been compared to Luka Modric… while Unai Emery is a big fan
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