Former Fiorentina goalkeeper Giovanni Galli has warned that Sofyan Amrabat's potential move to Liverpool would have some 'shortcomings' - backing a switch to Tottenham Hotspur instead.
The Reds have been heavily linked with Amrabat following the midfielder's outstanding performances to help Morocco reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, where they will face world champions France on Wednesday. Reports last week even claimed that the club had met with representatives of the Fiorentina man ahead of a January bid, with the player's agent admitting yesterday that 'calls are coming in'.
Amrabat's form on the world stage hasn't just reportedly caught Liverpool's eye, however, with Tottenham also thought to be keen on a move. Antonio Conte is said to have personally requested that Spurs sign the Moroccan in the summer, and he is expected to lead a return in January but faces increased competition after this World Cup.
Liverpool may hope they can pip their top-four rivals to one of the Qatar tournament's standout players. But Galli, who played over 300 times for la Viola between 1977 and 1986, believes a move to Spurs would suit Amrabat's style far more than to Anfield.
"We know what the characteristics of Amrabat are," Galli told Lady Radio (via Fiorentina.it ). "I've read that Antonio Conte is looking for a player who can block the field in the middle of the field, then Amrabat would be perfect. I already find it more difficult to think of him in Liverpool, where there is Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara. I don't see it very well there, if the tasks are those of construction and restarting a team, it has some shortcomings.
"If you want to play football, like PSG does, Amrabat would struggle. There are setters there, technically strong footballers, Amrabat is among the strongest in the world for the qualities he has, but if the team plays like it is doing with Morocco. The task that he has in the national team, as he had in Verona, is to look for one-on-one and recover balls. Stop."
Reports last week suggested Fiorentina would demand around €40million in total for their midfielder, who is contracted with the Italian outfit until 2024.
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