Manuel Locatelli Italian footballer

Manuel Locatelli, born on January 8, 1998, is a highly regarded Italian professional footballer who primarily operates as a central midfielder. Renowned for his tactical intelligence, precise passing, and comprehensive defensive work, he currently plies his trade for Serie A giants Juventus. His move to the Turin-based club in 2021 initially commenced as a loan from fellow Serie A side Sassuolo, with an obligation to make the transfer permanent. Beyond his club commitments, Locatelli is a vital component of the Italy national team, representing his country at the highest international levels.

Early Career and Breakthrough at AC Milan

Locatelli’s football journey began within the esteemed youth ranks of Atalanta before he transitioned to the AC Milan youth academy in 2010. Progressing through the various age groups, he showcased immense promise, leading to his professional debut for the Rossoneri on April 21, 2016, in a Serie A match against Carpi, at just 18 years old. This milestone marked the beginning of his senior career with one of Italy's most historic clubs.

His nascent career at Milan quickly saw a significant highlight when he played a crucial role in the club's victory in the 2016 Supercoppa Italiana. This prestigious match, held in Doha, Qatar, saw AC Milan triumph over Juventus in a thrilling penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1. Locatelli’s contributions during this period, including his notable performances and a spectacular goal against Juventus in a league fixture, earned him considerable attention and marked him as a bright prospect for Italian football. Despite his promising start, consistent playing time became a challenge amidst squad changes and tactical adjustments at Milan, eventually paving the way for a new chapter in his career.

Maturity and Stardom at Sassuolo

In 2018, Manuel Locatelli sought a new environment to further his development, joining US Sassuolo Calcio, initially on a loan deal with an obligation to buy. This move proved to be a pivotal turning point in his career. Under the guidance of innovative coaches, particularly Roberto De Zerbi, Locatelli flourished into one of Serie A's most effective and respected midfielders. He refined his abilities as a deep-lying playmaker, dictating tempo with his exceptional passing range and displaying an enhanced capacity for ball recovery and defensive screening.

During his three seasons at Sassuolo, Locatelli's influence grew exponentially. He became the undisputed midfield anchor, demonstrating consistent performances that saw him register significant improvements in his statistical output, including key passes, tackles, and interceptions. His commanding displays on the field, coupled with his leadership qualities, garnered widespread recognition, leading to strong interest from several top European clubs, highlighting his emergence as a truly elite talent in Italian football.

The Transition to Juventus

Following his impressive tenure at Sassuolo, Manuel Locatelli’s burgeoning reputation culminated in a high-profile transfer to Juventus in August 2021. The deal was structured as a two-year loan agreement, valued at €3 million, with an obligation for Juventus to purchase him outright for an additional €25 million plus €12.5 million in potential add-ons. This strategic acquisition underscored Juventus's commitment to reinforcing their midfield with a player capable of controlling games and providing both defensive solidity and offensive impetus.

At Juventus, Locatelli quickly established himself as a key figure in the midfield, adapting seamlessly to the demands of a top-tier club competing for major honours. He has continued to exhibit his versatility, operating in various midfield roles and contributing to the team’s build-up play, defensive solidity, and occasional goal-scoring efforts. His presence has been crucial in linking defence and attack, reflecting his importance in the tactical setup of the Bianconeri.

International Acclaim with the Italy National Team

Manuel Locatelli’s talents were recognized early on the international stage, as he represented Italy at various youth levels, including the U15, U17, U19, and U21 squads, where he often served as a captain. His senior international debut for the Azzurri came on September 7, 2020, in a UEFA Nations League match against the Netherlands, under the guidance of head coach Roberto Mancini.

The pinnacle of his international career to date arrived with Italy's triumphant campaign at the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, which was famously postponed to 2021 due to the global pandemic. Locatelli played a significant role in Italy's journey to European glory, particularly shining in the group stage. He notably scored two crucial goals in Italy's 3-0 victory over Switzerland, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively when called upon. His composed performances and reliable contributions from midfield were instrumental as Italy navigated through the tournament, ultimately lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy by defeating England in the final at Wembley Stadium, marking a historic achievement for Italian football.

Playing Style and Key Attributes

Manuel Locatelli is often characterized as a modern central midfielder with a comprehensive skill set. His primary strength lies in his ability to operate as a deep-lying playmaker, or 'regista', capable of dictating the flow of the game from the base of the midfield. He possesses an exceptional passing range, allowing him to launch incisive long balls and execute precise short passes with equal proficiency.

Beyond his distribution, Locatelli is highly effective in breaking up opposition attacks. He demonstrates excellent positional awareness, strong tackling, and an impressive work rate, contributing significantly to his team's defensive solidity. His vision, coupled with his technical prowess, enables him to link play effectively between defence and attack, making him a crucial pivot in both phases of the game. Furthermore, he exhibits leadership qualities on the field, often directing teammates and maintaining composure under pressure.

Honours and Achievements

Frequently Asked Questions About Manuel Locatelli

When was Manuel Locatelli born?
Manuel Locatelli was born on January 8, 1998.
What position does Manuel Locatelli play?
He primarily plays as a central midfielder, often operating as a deep-lying playmaker (regista).
Which clubs has Manuel Locatelli played for?
He began his senior career at AC Milan, then moved to Sassuolo, and is currently playing for Juventus (initially on loan with an obligation to buy from Sassuolo).
Did Manuel Locatelli win a major international trophy with Italy?
Yes, he was part of the Italy squad that won the UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021) tournament.
What are Manuel Locatelli's main strengths as a player?
His key strengths include his exceptional passing range, tactical intelligence, defensive work rate, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game from midfield.