Liverpool might be targeting the next Gattuso, not Pirlo, in Sandro Tonali

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It was reported earlier this week that Liverpool have opened talks with Brescia over the talented midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting, as relayed by the Daily Mail, that Liverpool are keen on the £30 million-rated 18-year-old.

Fans were likely most excited about the player Tonali is most regularly compared to. Due to his appearance, set-piece ability and the fact he is coming through at Brescia he is often dubbed the next Andrea Pirlo.  The Sun used this comparison after his first call-up to the Italian national side.

However, the player himself does not see the comparisons as entirely accurate.

As reported by Football Italia, he does not feel the Pirlo comparisons make much sense. Instead, he sees himself more as a Gennaro Gattuso type. Speaking in November he made it clear that that the Pirlo comparisons seemed to stem, mostly, from his hair.

“As for the Pirlo comparisons, he inspired me but I’ve never seen another like him. Maybe my hair is similar. My role model was [Gennaro] Gattuso in terms of grit.”

– Sandro Tonali on Andrea Pirlo comparisons

Tonali obviously feels that he is more likely to be putting in a bone-crunching tackle on an opponent rather than floating in an exquisite cross-field pass.

Either way, next Pirlo or Gattuso, Liverpool fans would love to see him at Anfield in the future. A deal in January looks unlikely. But if they do snap him up in the summer, Liverpool could have a gem on their hands.