Presenting Giorgio Scalvini: Italy’s most exciting defensive prospect on Man United's radar

Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta were one of the most impressive teams in Europe in the 2018-2021 stretch. His teams were built on a shoestring budget, but went toe-to-toe with the best teams on the continent while wowing us with their exciting brand of football. 

Gasperini is now rebuilding I Nerazzurri, and is using Giorgio Scalvini as a key pillar in his project. Scalvini is now coming off the back of an impressive year for both club and country, where he has established himself as a first-team starter. 

With physical attributes to match his great technique and comfort on the ball, Scalvini ticks off most of the boxes necessary to be an accomplished modern-day centre back.  

The 20-year-old has a WhoScored rating of 7.03 so far this season, and won the Golden Boy award for the best Italian U21 player for 2023. A bright future lies ahead. 

Giorgio Scalvini’s Transfer Value - how much is he worth? 

As per FootballTransfer’s Player Valuation Model, Scalvini has a current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €28.8m. His growing prominence for both Atalanta and Italy has seen his value rise from just €5.3m at the start of the 2023. 

The Italian’s qualities have put him on the radar of Manchester United and Real Madrid, and a much larger fee will be needed to prise him away in January.  

But United are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements, and Erik ten Hag has complained about the lack of fluidity in his team’s build-up when playing a right-footed centre back in the left centre-back position. 

Scalvini plays in the three-man defensive line of the Bergamo side, and his versatility of being able to operate in the centre, or on either the right or left side makes him a great pick for the Red Devils. 

Can this be the start of the smarter recruitment process that was promised under the new ownership? 

Giorgio Scalvini’s strengths and weaknesses - what does the data say? 

Ball-playing centre backs are in high demand due to the shift towards a more possession-based approach in recent years. But their focus on the on-ball elements sometimes leaves them guilty of being found out defensively. 

Scalvini is very competent on the ball, and makes 44 passes per 90 with a good degree of progression and variation. But more importantly, he has retained all of the defensive competency that we have come to appreciate from top quality Italian defenders.  

The 1.94 metres defender is a physical marvel who enjoys engaging in aerial and ground duels. His 34 interceptions this season are more than what any other player attempted in the Serie A. 

Scalvini’s great defensive numbers are a result of him being aggressive and pressing the opposition in the high zone. He attempts 6.41 ball recoveries, 2.35 tackles and 2.07 blocks per 90 - all of which rank him very highly among positional peers in the league.  

The Atalanta youth product also wins 3.49 aerials per 90, putting him in the top 5% of defenders in the Italian top flight. But it is his ability to win these challenges and immediately look to quickly start attacks for his team that shines through. 

Playing as a centre-back for Gasperini has given him this freedom, and he now looks to do more than just defend. Scalvini has the licence to push forward, and uses his lanky strides to make a solid 0.57 successful take-ons and 0.86 carries into the final third per 90. 

It is this unique combination of profiles that has seen him adapt and play in the holding midfield role when needed. 

The January transfer window can be tricky to navigate, but Scalvini’s potential signing would be the first under Sir Jim Rattcliff’s INEOS Sport company, who recently took control of the football operations of the club. It will also be a huge sign of intent that will be a sign of bigger and better things to come for the red side of Manchester.

This article was provided by FootballTransfers