Real Madrid: 5 midfielders who have impressed as transfer targets at Euro 2020

2. Italy AM Nicolo Barella

Nicolo Barella has been on and off the discussion. He is a great player who could be targeted as a realistic replacement for the aging Luka Modric. I previously placed him at the bottom of the list prioritizing transfer targets for Real Madrid. At the Euros too, the story hasn’t been very different. Barella has been one of the hardest workers for the Azzurri.

Roberto Mancini’s Italy has very much cruised into the knockouts after winning all of their group stage games. One of the main reasons behind such a commanding run in the Championships so far has been Italy’s control of the midfield. And, the Italian Champion, Nicolo Barella has been a prime pillar of the said midfield.

Barella has been a true hard worker. He has won as many as five free-kicks for his team so far in the tournament. He also has an assist to his name and has been very bright on the passing front having a total of 5 key passes in the tournament so far, per WhoScored.

His ball carrying and ball control has been top-notch. He has played three out of the four games Italy has played so far. The one he didn’t play was the one where he was rested for the knockouts after their qualification was secured after two back-to-back wins.

This again goes to show how important of an asset he is. He would be a similar asset to any club too. Overall, Barella’s efforts have impressed me enough to place him so high up this list. He has been in the discussion and could be targeted as a possible Modric replacement in the summer’s transfer window or the near future.