Niccolò Zanellato
Country: Italy
Date of birth: 24/06/1998 (18 years old)
Place of birth: Milano (Italy)
Height: 185cm
Youth career: AC Milan
Current club: AC Milan
Squad number: —
Current national team: —
Position: central midfielder, attacking midfielder
Preferred foot: right
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): 75.000 €
Tournaments participated in: Al Kass International Cup 2014, Al Kass International Cup 2015, Viareggio Cup 2016 (4/0)
Contract until: 30.06.2019
Player’s agent: unknown
Transfer rumours: Everton
Similar type of player: Axel Witsel
Strengths:
– teamwork 
– tactical awareness
– passing
– vision
– aerial duels 
– technique 
– athleticism
– creativity
– positional sense 
Weaknesses:
– should improve some aspects of his game such as defensive reliability and consistency
– could be a little bit faster
Style of play:
– charismatic, creative and intelligent number ‘8’
– player with good body mass ratio, physical strength, power, stamina and natural fitness who feels comfortable in contact situations
– great combination of physical strength, technique and tactical expertise
– known for his first touch, vision, decision taking on the ball and passing ability providing dynamism the team’s build-up process
– plays well under pressure
– likes to spread play with good long-range diagonals
– very strong mentally, physically and technically
– ability to supply killer passes
– high number of touches and passes per game
– excellent vision and ability to read the game
– constantly asking for the ball and often is an additional passing option
– often drops deeper and is involved in the buildup of plays
– very good in the air
– indirect set-piece threat
– finds himself best in positional attack
He is best suited to playing as:
Central midfielder in 4-3-3.
Video:
Achievements:
—
League summary (as for 25 September 2016):
No senior team appearances yet.
Description:
Niccolò Zanellato is a product of AC Milan academy – youth system has been responsible for producing some of Milan’s greatest ever players, including Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Demetrio Albertini and Alessandro Costacurta, as well as several players, in recent years, who have managed to become regular players in the Serie A. Niccolò showed himself to a wider crowd during pre-season 16/17, receiving precious minutes in Milan’s friendlies against Bayern, Liverpool and Chelsea. Currently, he is one of the best players of a very strong Milan’s Primavera Under-20 team.
Quotes:
‘Two players who impressed during pre-season were 18 year old central midfielder Niccolo Zanellato and 18 year old Regista Manuel Locatelli. Zanellato featured heavily during pre-season, making a particular impact in Milan’s first summer friendly against Bordeaux. The nimble youngster showcased a dynamism and determination in his play, as well as an impressive long shot. Zanellato is certainly capable of offering the kind of creative spark that more functional midfielders such as Juraj Kucka or Andrea Poli can’t. The injury to Andrea Bertolacci at the weekend may well open up some opportunities for him in the near future.’
(acmilan.theoffside.com)
Football Talent Scout potential rating:
8/10 
First team material in a top European club.
Links:
