The promotion of Cristian Brocchi to AC Milan coach from his old youth team post has already started to bear fruit, with Manuel Locatelli making his debut recently.
Despite being heavily limited to Primavera outings prior to his senior debut, the midfielder had already been on the radar of Premier League duo Arsenal and Leicester City who had been quick to spot his talent.
The 18-year-old came on as a late substitute during the Rossoneri’s bore draw against Carpi, marking a momentous occasion for the young man,
It was no less than he deserves, having officially been promoted to the first team squad in February after Antonio Nocerino’s move to Orlando City.
He joined Milan at the age of 12, and it wasn’t soon after that comparisons to Andrea Pirlo were born.
In fact, Locatelli has his own nickname – The Architect.
The starlet has been praised for his vision and excellent range of passing, whilst also possessing a sound tactical knowledge of the game and knowing his responsibilities in defence.
His ball playing abilities in particular – think spraying balls across the pitch from deep in midfield – are eye catching to say the least.
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s emergence has set a very high standard, and if he can make anywhere near such a positive impact then it will be a transition well done.
While it’s hard to judge a player from the outside when he has had so few first team minutes, if there is one man who knows him inside out it’s Brocchi, and he clearly deems him ready for the next step.
Read more on this midfield prodigy here
