Roberto De Zerbi would be happy to have a team full of Pascal Grosses and Jack Hinshelwoods, with the Italian saying the academy graduate can 'be the new Pascal Gross'.
"[Players’ versatility is] crucial. I would like to have three or four Pascal Gross. Three, four Jack Hinshelwoods. Joel Veltman. They can play everywhere," said the head coach.
“I believe Pascal can play as a striker or winger, a centre back. Hinshelwood is the same. The only difference between them is their age.
“I think they are very close in terms of attitude and quality. Jack Hinshelwood can be the new Pascal Gross. I have given you the headline!"
Veltman is also indispensable according to his boss.
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“Joel is another important player and he is playing always, more or less. We have to pay special attention with him because we can’t lose him at this moment.
“But Jack Hinshelwood is a potential full-back. James Milner can play on the right and left side. Pascal Gross can play full-back and I have to manage them all in the best way.”