As reported by Mundo Deportivo, former star of Real Madrid, Milan, and Inter, Antonio Cassano, has launched a scathing critique of Alessandro Bastoni, the Inter Milan defender who has been persistently linked with a move to FC Barcelona. Despite the summer transfer window being months away, speculation continues to swirl around the 26-year-old Italian international, who is considered the highest-paid defender in Serie A.
While many experts and pundits acknowledge Bastoni’s technical qualities and view him as a potentially significant acquisition for the Catalan giants, Cassano holds a starkly contrasting opinion. Expressing his views unequivocally, the former forward stated, “Bastoni is not a player suited for top teams,” casting serious doubt on the defender’s purported suitability for a club of Barcelona’s stature.
Cassano’s criticism was comprehensive, targeting several key aspects of Bastoni’s game. “I don’t like Bastoni as a defender at all,” he asserted. “He is not good at marking and struggles with his movement. He cannot defend 50 meters from the goal; we saw that against Arsenal when he was under pressure.”
A Question of Technical Proficiency
Extending his analysis beyond defensive duties, Cassano also questioned the player’s ability in possession, a crucial attribute for a Barcelona defender. He found Bastoni’s contribution to build-up play unremarkable, noting, “His style of constructing attacks is not distinctive, and we have already seen that against Arsenal.” This assessment directly challenges the narrative of Bastoni being an ideal modern defender for a possession-dominant side.
Amidst this external critique, Bastoni himself addressed the persistent transfer rumors before the Christmas holidays. While firmly denying any concrete plans or foundations for the reports, his response to the Barcelona links was notably proud. “I am honored to have my name associated with them,” the defender stated, interpreting the speculation as validation of his performances, “it means I am achieving good results.”
The situation presents a clear divergence of perspectives: on one side, a legendary player questioning the defender’s core competencies for elite football, and on the other, the player viewing the very same interest as a badge of honor for his current work at Inter Milan.