Analysing Italian international Davide Astori - the new Southampton target

Davide Astori (R)

According to The Mirror, Cagliari’s Davide Astori is once again a Southampton target. The defender, valued at around £10 million, could become a Saint in January should they fend off competition from both Everton and AC Milan.

At Cagliari, Astori is part of a stuttering team who have won just twice this season; the four draws which they have secured has ensured they are sitting in mid-table, but Ivo Pulga’s side have not been able to generate any momentum thus far this season.

In his six appearances, Astori and his fellow defenders have not yet kept a clean sheet. However, on a personal level, the Italian has missed just one tackle so far in 2013-14, demonstrating the excellent defensive skills which has enabled Astori to make five appearances for Italy.

This would add extra strength to a Southampton side which is performing well in the Premier League at the moment, and could give them the opportunity to make Mauricio Pochettino’s first full season in English football a successful one.

Instead of bringing in Astori over the summer, Pochettino opted for Dejan Lovren. The Croatian international has shown his worth, and his aerial ability has been shown to be better than the potential arrival at Saint Mary’s Stadium this season. Astori has won 70% of his headed duels, or 14/20, whereas Lovren has been successful in 73% of battles – or 33/45.

These statistics suggest that it is the current Southampton player who was the better option for Pochettino’s side, and, whilst Astori may still be a good option for the Saints, he may find himself as second choice in a league renowned for the threat of high balls into the penalty area.

Astori’s passing ability would suit a team with the mentality of Pochettino’s Southampton. His pass accuracy this season is a remarkable 86%, allowing him to retain possession for his team and therefore lessening the chance of an opposition attack in a dangerous position and giving Astori the ability to launch attacks from his relatively withdrawn position.

This would make Southampton a bigger threat in attack and is a good argument for Pochettino to spend the money in order to bring in Astori in January.

Astori would be a very solid signing from Pochettino; he has all the attributes to be a successful Premier League defender and, aged just 26, he has a long career ahead of him in which to improve and establish himself in the English game.