Scout Report: Who is Everton and Southampton target Vincenzo Grifo

According to a report from Liverpool Echo (h/t TeamTalk), Everton, Southampton, Watford and Bournemouth are all looking at the possibility of signing Hoffenheim’s Italian winger Vincenzo Grifo.

The 25-year-old is currently on loan at fellow Bundesliga side Freiburg but the report reveals that Hoffenheim are willing to sell the Italian in the summer.

Grifo had limited opportunity in the first half of the season where he started just one game. In his only start against Bayer Leverkusen in November, the Italian scored once and assisted twice in an incredible performance on the night.

However, Grifo was again out of the squad till the winter break for reasons unknown. The 25-year-old’s chance arrived after the break and has since played the full 90 minutes in all but one game so far. In that period of regular game time, Grifo has scored 3 goals and has provided 5 assists and has been an integral part of Christian Streich’s side.

Although predominantly a left winger, Grifo is more than capable of playing as an attacking midfielder and also as a number 8. The Italian’s versatility is a huge asset for any team and his efficiency is highly commendable.

Unlike most wingers, Grifo does not rely on his pace. The winger’s intelligence to position himself in an area where he is always available for a pass is one of his biggest traits and is something that makes him extremely dangerous.

When played centrally, Grifo is often seen dropping either deep or out wide on either flank which drags another defender with him. This allows a ton of space for his teammates in the centre of the park to drive into the opposition third.

When through on goal, Grifo is a reliable finisher. He also possesses the ability to dribble past a defender to make some space for himself which allows him to have a pop at goal or find a fellow teammate in and around the box.

Grifo’s biggest asset is his ability on the dead ball. The Italian is a deadly freekick taker and has successfully converted multiple freekicks during his time in Germany. Grifo is a brilliant penalty taker too and has rarely missed shots from the spot in his career.

Grifo has averaged 3 shots at goal, 2.4 key passes and 1.6 successful dribbles so far this season with Freiburg. The Italian has also averaged 1.2 crosses and 2.9 long balls per game so far with a passing accuracy of over 75%. (WhoScored)

Read more Everton news, click here – Everton latest news

Conclusion

Vincenzo Grifo has hit form at the right time for Freiburg this season. The 25-year-old possesses immense quality on the ball and would be a brilliant fit in the Premier League. Everton, Watford, Southampton and Bournemouth will be lucky to have him and it would be a tough battle for the Italian in the summer.