Why Pierluigi Gollini will be an excellent fit at Tottenham Hotspur
According to Football Italia (h/t Birmingham Mail), Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini has attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
The Italian shot-stopper, who was not much of a big name earlier, has now caught the attention of a host of clubs including Tottenham and AC Milan after his impressive displays for Serie A side Atalanta.
Having made 30 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta, Gollini has established himself as the side’s first-choice keeper. Moreover, he has been crucial to the side’s success in the league that has seen them rise to 4th place in the league standings.
He has also helped them secure a Champions League quarterfinal berth by featuring in all their fixtures so far in their maiden season in the European competition.
Gollini’s English history
Gollini, who previously played with the English side Aston Villa, seems to have revived his career after moving to Italy for a sum of £4million in 2018.
The 25-year-old who moved to England in 2016 from Hellas Verona, however, failed to impress at Villa. This saw the keeper being loaned back to Italy in the following winter to play for Atalanta. The move then became permanent in 2018.
Though he spent the first half of the season as Etrit Berisha’s backup, Gollini claimed the spot in the latter half of the campaign. His excellent displays in the second half of the league last season saw Atalanta finish third in the league. Therefore, they earned Champions League qualification.
Meanwhile, Berisha was loaned out early in the season, that saw Gollini establish himself as the side’s undisputed starter. The Italian has so far managed 5 clean sheets from 22 league games and has 2 in the Champions League.
Tottenham attracted by the improved displays from Pierluigi Gollini
Gollini’s improved displays as Atalanta’s guardian saw him earn a national team call-up back in November. The young custodian has so far featured in one game for the Italian side, coming on as a late substitute for Gianluigi Donnarumma against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With the Italian keeper’s performances aiding his side Atalanta a great deal, Premier League side Tottenham have now shown an interest in him. Meanwhile, poor displays at the back have seen Tottenham concede 47 goals and slip to eighth in the table this season.
The club, for a major share of this season, has been without the services of Hugo Lloris. Paulo Gazzaniga has been the side’s backup goalkeeper. However, he failed to make a big impact that saw Tottenham fall behind the ranks early in the season.
Lloris on his way down
Despite Lloris making a comeback later in the season, he has been far from impressive, managing just two clean sheets from 12 league outings.
Lloris, who has been one of the top keepers in the Premier League, seems to have slowed down. Age and injuries seem to have taken a toll on the 33-year-old 2018 World Cup winner.
So it would better if Spurs find a replacement for their Frenchman. Tottenham also have veteran Michel Vorm and Alfie Whiteman as backups. However, Vorm’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season and Whiteman lacks experience.
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Verdict
Considering the poor form of Lloris and Gazzaniga, roping in the in-form Gollini seems like a good choice. Moreover, having proved himself at the highest level, Gollini could be an excellent replacement for Lloris.
It will also not take the Italian to adjust to his new surroundings in London as he has played for Villa before.
