Linked with Chelsea and Manchester United and coveted by many of Italy’s top sides, why is Nicolo Barella so highly in demand? As the second half of the season looms, Europe’s elite sides are increasingly looking towards Cagliari’s 21-year-old Italian international as a potential winter transfer.

A product of Cagliari’s academy, Barella has flourished into one of world football’s most sought-after young players. Aside from a one year loan at Serie B side Como in 2016; he’s only ever represented the Sardinian side at a professional level.

Barella made his Cagliari Serie A debut on 4th May 2015 against Parma, replacing Diego Faras after 68 minutes in the 4-0 victory. The Gazzetta dello Sport once labelled the Italian as ‘The Sardinian Steven Gerrard’. A comparison that isn’t too hard to see but Barella is still developing his goalscoring prowess.

Last season in Serie A, the youngster did notch six goals but will be looking to reach a double-digit scoring season sooner rather than later. Goals aren’t the reason Barella is attracting suitors, however, despite his diminutive stature, the Italian more than makes up for it with his work rate and fearlessness in the middle of the field.

Relentless in the tackle, the youngster can be deployed in a number of different positions across the midfield. He is normally deployed within a midfield three for Cagliari. In a position where incredible work rate is required, Barella also possesses the technical ability to beat opponents easily off the dribble.

Not just a tough tackling Italian midfield general, the youngster also has the vision and passing ability to play as a deep-lying playmaker or as an attacking midfielder which offers incredible versatility to any potential suitors. The combination of technical ability, physicality, and endless tenacity make the 21-year-old incredibly well-rounded in today’s game.

Likened to Radja Nainggolan of Inter Milan due to his incredible tenacity to always give 100 percent for his team. The comparison goes hand in hand with the versatility of the young Italian who, like the Belgian, can be utilised effectively anywhere across the midfield. Barella won’t come cheap though as Italian side Cagliari are reportedly entertaining offers in the region of £50 million for the newly capped Italian international.

After impressing with his club form, the youngster was called up to the Italian national team squad for the first time in 2017 under Gian Pero Ventura. Barella had to wait until October 2018 before making his first appearance for The Azzurri, in a 1-1 friendly draw against Ukraine in Genoa under Roberto Mancini.

Linked with various top clubs across Europe, are any willing to pull the trigger on the hugely talented Italian this January? Only time will tell but you can be sure that this certainly won’t be the last time you hear about the incredibly versatile Nicolo Barella.