Sandro Tonali Scouting Report – The New Pirlo?

Comparisons between players are often lazy and doesnt offer much.

Sure, there might be a resemblance in either the style of play or simply the appearance.

We have heard many times of the new Maradona, the new Messi, or the new Andrea Pirlo.

This time, with Brescia playmaker Sandro Tonali, the links to Pirlo are easy yet accurate.

This tactical analysis will profile the 18-year-old midfielder Sandro Tonali who looks destined for greatness.

Who Is Sandro Tonali?

Tonali is an 18-year-old midfielder who joined Brescia as a youngster from Piacenza.

After progressing through the youth teams Tonali made his Serie B debut for Brescia in August 2017.

He went on to make 19 Serie B appearances in his debut season.

This season, after turning 18 in May, Tonali has become a key man for Brescia and was remarkably picked for the Italian senior team for this international break.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini said upon the announcement that he was curious to see Tonali and that the midfielder was incredibly gifted.

Thats high praise indeed for the young playmaker.

What makes the Pirlo comparison so appealing is the fact that both players started their senior careers at Brescia, they both have that elegant style of play, a glorious range of passing and that intelligence to read the game ahead of all the others.

Add the fact Tonali also has long hair and also possess mental rather than physical pace just like Pirlo.

The comparisons are natural but Tonali have a long way to go to reach even half the heights Pirlo did.

Tactical analysis: Tonalis style of play

Brescia play in a 4-3-1-2 formation and Tonali, just like Pirlo at Milan, line up as the defensive midfielder at the base of the midfield diamond.

From this position he initiates the attacking play as well as fulfill a vital role defensively with him covering the space in front of the center-backs.

You can see his position in the formation below.

What instantly caught my eye when watching Tonali was his understanding of space and where to position himself.

Many midfielders in similar roles like the one hes playing often drop in front of the opponents strikers to get on the ball.

Often this is done simply because theyre not comf