Tottenham target could become a better striker than Vlahovic, says Juventus and Roma icon

Zbigniew Boniek tells Tottenham Hotspur Nicolo Zaniolo could become better than Dusan Vlahovic

Juventus and AS Roma icon Zbigniew Boniek has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur target Nicolo Zaniolo could become a better centre-forward than Dusan Vlahovic.

The Serbian striker sealed a move to Juventus from Fiorentina after making a stellar impression in Florence. He cost the Old Lady around £62.8m in transfer fees last January.

But according to Boniek, the legendary Polish attacking midfielder who scored 26 goals in 80 appearances for his national team, Zaniolo could become even better than Vlahovic.

Speaking to New Sound Radio via HITC (h/t Football.London), Boniek said:

“Zaniolo has incredible potential. If you ask people what his position is, then everyone will give you a different response. In my view, he is a classic number nine. He can protect the ball, has physical strength, turns defenders well, is good in the air and can shoot.”

Zaniolo can play as a winger, a second-striker, as well as a central attacking midfielder. However, Boniek, who has won the Serie A and the European Cup in the 1980s, believes he can be a great centre-forward.

“I always say when I see Vlahovic play that Zaniolo could do just as well. Perhaps even better, because he also has this strong physicality. He really is a great player.”

This is a big claim when it comes from someone such as Boniek. Spurs’ intention in Zaniolo is no secret and the 23-year-old could now have to fight for his spot in the team after Jose Mourinho signed Paulo Dybala on a free transfer.

According to Calciomercato (h/t the Express) as covered by TTLB, Spurs even made an offer to Roma involving cash plus Joe Rodon for the Inter Milan midfielder.

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It remains to be seen where Zaniolo plays next season and if he does move to Tottenham. However, it could be a headache for Conte to fit him in his starting XI with no shortage of wingers as well as strikers, especially after Richarlison and Ivan Perisic’s inclusion.