Former Juventus, Sunderland, and Napoli midfielder Emmanuele Giaccherini believes that Inter’s Nicolo Barella is one of the most complete midfielders in the world right now.

Speaking to Italian news outlet Calciomercato.com, the 36-year-old praised the Nerazzurri man for broadening his skillset and becoming a player who offers virtually everything in the centre of the pitch.

Barella already looked like a fairly versatile player with room to grow when Inter signed him from Cagliari in the summer of 2019, capable of playing deep on the pitch or of taking a more attacking role.

In the three seasons he has spent with Inter, the 24-year-old has become a Scudetto winner and has developed significantly as a player.

So far, Barella leads Serie A in assists with five goals created to his name, and this is only the latest step in his growth into a top-level player in his position.

Giaccherini gave his own view on the midfielder’s development, stating that “I played against Barella three or four years ago and he was a young guy who would tackle and get booked, it was evident that he was strong.”

“But now he passes, scores, and assists,” he went on. “He is absolutely complete and is only 24 years old, he can be one of the best midfielders in the world.”