Former Lazio youth midfielder Angelo Paradiso has claimed that despite an underwhelming transfer window for the capital club, there is hope for young forward Keita Balde Diao.
The Aquile only brought in striker Alessandro Matri on deadline day due their failure to qualify for the Champions League group stage and Paradiso has since stated a belief that the club should focus on its existing young talents.
“He [Keita] is a good, experienced player and one who can certainly be useful to [coach Stefano] Pioli,” said Paradiso to Tuttomercatoweb.
“But if Lazio had wanted to close the gap on the big teams, then they needed to do more.
“Juventus and Roma have strengthened, even Fiorentina have created a good team, while Lazio have improved only slightly.”
“Also AC Milan, they reinforced by spending very much, there is the unknown element of [Mario] Balotelli but the iron sergeant [coach Sinisa] Mihajlovic could do him a lot of benefit.”
However the former Napoli midfielder from Rome did say there were positives as Lazio had managed to keep their best talents.
“Last year was special, the team played well and the exploits of Felipe Anderson were amazing,” added Paradiso.
“The quality has risen in Serie A, even small teams have improved: see Sassuolo and Frosinone.
“Lazio have good talents but I think that Keita is one on which we should focus on.
“It’s his year and I hope that Pioli can find space in the team even after the arrival of Matri.”
