M’Baye Niang could cost €100m one day, Cristian Ansaldi “has Javier Zanetti’s thighs” and Nicolas Burdisso is “an animal”, according to a Genoa scout.
Torino signed Niang, Ansaldi and Burdisso over the summer, and Omar Milanetto – who knows the trio well from their spells at Genoa – believes the Granata have pulled off masterstrokes in landing the trio.
M’Baye Niang could cost €100m one day, Cristian Ansaldi “has Javier Zanetti’s thighs” and Nicolas Burdisso is “an animal”, according to a Genoa scout.
Torino signed Niang, Ansaldi and Burdisso over the summer, and Omar Milanetto – who knows the trio well from their spells at Genoa – believes the Granata have pulled off masterstrokes in landing the trio.
“Burdisso? Although he’s 36 and, on paper, not a starter, I know him very well and he increased his loads every day in the two months that he was released,” the former Rossoblu midfielder told Gianluca Di Marzio’s website.
“Nico isn’t a normal player: he’s an animal in the best sense of the word. As a player, he’s very strong, with a crazy amount of experience.
“His 15 career triumphs, including three Intercontinental Cups, [Copa] Libertadores, titles and other Cups, speak for themselves.
“He’s an exceptional professional and he plays younger than what his identity card says. He’s overcome his physical limitations.
“Dressing room? If any of his teammates cause problems or behave badly, he’ll straighten them out.
“He can mediate situations and put players back in line. Maybe the Coach or sporting director won’t even know about these issues…
“He’s also good company. He’s used to arranging nights out with the families of his teammates. He’s someone that unifies a squad.
“He’ll give a great hand in the dressing room and on the pitch. He’ll also be crucial for the growth of two young defenders like Lyanco and Bonifazi.
“Nico’s like Rincon. He’s another player with great personality, charisma and enthusiasm.
“Torino to ‘take care’ of Niang? They’ll help him to stop being just an eternal promise.
“If Niang, at the age of 23, realises he needs to grow up and that Toro can represent a real turning point for him, given he has also found Mihajlovic, then he’ll become one of Serie A’s best attackers.
“He can also be the next player to warrant a €100m release clause because I’ve seen very few players like him, technically and physically.
“He has talent, flair, brilliance and physical strength. He splits defences with his technique and power, plus he can play as a winger, a second striker or even a centre-forward.
“He had six, awesome months with us [at Genoa] in 2015. I hope he doesn’t throw it all away now after his difficulties of the past 18 months.
“Ansaldi? Every now and then, he’s been hampered by some muscular problems, but he’ll certainly be a strong reinforcement for Toro.
“He can do great things on both wings, not just the right. I challenge you to figure out if you he’s better with his right or left foot. He’s good with either of them.
“He runs, crosses and shoots to perfection with both feet. One day with us [for Genoa], he recorded three assists and goals in one game: a huge feat for a full-back.
“He has Zanetti’s thighs, twice those of other players. He has great strength and he’s a top defender.”