As the January transfer window comes to a close, Atalanta has been busy fortifying their depth with the signing of rightback Raoul Bellanova from Bordeaux, and the apparent signing of midfielder French National Adrian Tameze from OGC Nice.
Serie A fans will be familiar with Bellanova who came up through the youth ranks of AC Milan, and was a staple of the Azzurri’s youth teams. A near perfect fit for Gasperini’s system, Bellanova is lauded for his attacking prowess on the right side and will provide nice depth to Hateboer and Castagne. Still only 19 years old there is probably a bit of development left to go for the youngster fro Rho, so I don’t foresee him displacing anyone on the first team just yet. However, the manner in which fullbacks are used in Gasperini’s system, depth is essential. This will make it Bellanova, and Hateboer capable of playing on the right; Gosens and Czyborra on the left, and Castagne capable of playing on both sides; a very nice set up if you ask me, even if Bellanova is not called on for at least a year.
Now with Tameze, Atalanta have an immediate option to occupy the midfield, and most likely play box to box. Anyone who follows La Dea knows the difficulties they can have defending the counter, so any reinforcements they can have in defensive duties is much welcomed. However, that’s not to say he’s allergic going forward. Some quick YouTube searching shows a player who is comfortable dribbling and building up an attack. Whether he’ll be used in such a capacity is to be determined, but I see him filling in nicely as a De Roon style player expected to run all over the middle of the pitch and quickly get the ball up to the play makers.
It’s an exciting time going in to the 2nd half of the Serie A Campaign. Atalanta seems to have made savvy signings, filling areas of need, and ensuring they will not be short of options and depth during a grueling 2nd half. I’d like to welcome Bellanova and Tameze to the club, and wish them the best of luck for La Dea!
