Independiente Rivadavia Coach On Inter Milan Target: “He Can Reach Alessandro Bastoni Levels” | OneFootball

Independiente Rivadavia manager Martin Cicotello believes Inter Milan target Tomas Palacios could reach the level of Alessandro Bastoni.

During an interview with Sportitalia, as reported by FCInter1908, Cicotello compared the 21-year-old to Bastoni, claiming he is ‘on the right path to get to those levels.’

Tomas Palacios is on the verge of joining Inter. The reigning Serie A holders will fork out around €6 million to bring the young gun to Italy.

Currently on loan at Independiente, the Argentine talent is ready to pack his bags.

Negotiations between his parent club, Talleres Cordoba, and Independiente are underway.

The latter is bidding to sign the highly-rated youngster for €4m before selling him to Inter for a profit.

Javier Zanetti is working around the clock to secure his compatriot’s arrival.

Palacios could be a decent coup for the Nerazzurri.

According to his manager, he has all the necessary qualities to become a top-class center-back.

Independiente Rivadavia Boss Believes Inter Milan Target Tomas Palacios Can Reach Alessandro Bastoni Levels

“He is a boy with important potential, such that he can become an elite player one day,” Cicotello waxed lyrical about the youngster. “He is a central defender who has a mix of physicality and speed.”

“In addition, he has really excellent technical qualities that allow him to contribute to the offensive game. His changes of play are also a factor.”

Cicotello admitted there’s a lot going on behind the scenes, confirming the Inter target is on his way out.

“We were asked, by the club, that he was not part of the squad for last Saturday’s match against Talleres. This is due to the fact that there are important situations underway,” he maintained.

The Independiente boss is confident Palacios will thrive in Italy thanks to his intelligence and personality.

“I think it would fit well. There are important differences between the two championships. But he is able to quickly assimilate the concepts of Italian football. He has intelligence and personality to spare.”

On top of that, Cicotello believes Palacios can perform in various tactical set-ups.

“I used him both as a central defender in a 4-man defense and as a left arm in a 3-man defense. In the latter role, he is playing now.”

Last but not least, he sees Palacios reaching Bastoni’s level in the future.

“Well, Bastoni is already a done player, one of the best. Tomas is on the right path to get to those levels. He has to grow in some aspects, but he can do it.

“His aerial game is good, but for his height, I think he can grow even more there,” he concluded.