Tammy Abraham may have missed out on England’s World Cup squad, but Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini has backed the 25-year-old to become one of the best strikers in the world in the years to come.
Speaking exclusively in FourFourTwo’s new issue, available in the shops on December 8, Pellegrini was fulsome in his praise for Abraham, who has netted 31 goals for Roma since moving to Serie A last summer.
The forward was perhaps a surprise omission from England’s squad to travel to Qatar - an indication of the vast attacking options that Gareth Southgate has at his disposal - but has impressed in Italy after making the tough decision to leave Chelsea and the Premier League.
“Tammy was very courageous, at his age, having not always played at Chelsea but still doing well when he did, and after winning the Champions League, to leave and put himself to the test, to accept a new challenge,” Pellegrini told FFT.
“I’ve always said that with the right application, work, commitment and mentality, he can become one of the best strikers in the world. Tammy has incredible potential. Last season he produced impressive numbers.
“Besides being a great player, being with him in the dressing room is a pleasure - he’s vital for our group.”
Pellegrini captained the Roma side that won the Europa Conference League in May. It was Jose Mourinho’s first season as Giallorossi boss, and his skipper is thoroughly enjoying working underneath him.
“He’s a coach who has written the history of football, transformed the sport and still does everything to continue winning – it’s something he instils in us every day,” Pellegrini said.
“He’s amazing. In the past year-and-a-half under Mourinho, I’ve had a new feeling. He manages to instil emotions inside you to release on the pitch.”
You can read the full interview with Lorenzo Pellegrini in the new issue of FourFourTwo.
