Sassuolo coach Roberto De Zerbi has declared Manuel Locatelli as the best midfielder in the country.

Locatelli has been outstanding for Italy this past week.

“Locatelli's growth has been exponential, he is ready to play at the highest level and take the Nazionale by the hand," De Zerbi told La Repubblica.

“I saw him play against Holland and he dominated Wijnaldum, someone who won the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool.

“At this moment, he is the best midfielder in Italy and still has ample margin for improvement."