Though Manchester City are not looking at high profile targets to add to their squad this January, they are looking to strengthen certain areas of the squad for the business end of the season.
They have been linked with a number of exciting players but one name now doing the rounds is that of Atalanta youngster Roberto Piccoli.
According to a story from CM.com (cited by TMW), the City representatives were left impressed with Piccoli’s performance in their recent clash against the club’s junior side.
But who is Roberto Piccoli and is he a star in the making?
Roberto Piccoli And His Style Of Play
A striker by trait, the Bergamo born Piccoli has been with the academy at Atalanta since 2011 as a kid and managed to break into the first team just late last season.
However, he remains a regular for the junior sides, where he has five goals in seven league games.
He has six goals in the UEFA Youth League and it is understood that Pep Guardiola was impressed with his performances in the game against Shakhtar Donetsk, where he bagged a brace.
Playing as a lone striker, Piccoli is an excellent header of the ball and is a decent finisher. His positional awareness in the final third makes him a dangerous attacker while his ability to play on the shoulder of the final defender is what gives him his goals.
His decision making is usually effective but it is the calmness and maturity that he shows, even under pressure, that has seen Manchester City take notice of the youngster.
He has a mean shot on his right foot but is equally effective with his left in front of goal. His pace keeps most defenders honest and he certainly has the ability to turn into a world-class player in years to come.
Right Man For Manchester City?
Pep Guardiola has often unearthed some hidden talents from around the world, introducing them to top-flight European football.
But Piccoli, who has just two appearances for the senior side, is by no means ready to take on the rigours of the Premier League.
His potential is not up for debate but he is not a striker that can help Manchester City in the next couple of years.
City will be without Sergio Aguero in a year or two and need a world-class player to replace him. Piccoli can do that job in the future but with Gabriel Jesus the only other option for that role, Guardiola should probably look elsewhere for first-team options.
That said, Roberto Piccoli will be envious addition to the academy at Etihad for his initiation and City are looking for bright prospects who can make the grade in the next couple of years.