MusaRadu Dragusin was attracting interest from several Italian clubs during the January transfer window, but Tottenham refused to sanction a loan move at the time and were only prepared to consider a permanent departure.
That situation changed during the summer, when Fiorentina secured the Romanian defender on an initial loan deal that includes an obligation to buy.
Dragusin endured a difficult start to life in Florence, but his performances against Venezia and Napoli showed signs of improvement. The 24-year-old now appears determined to put his Tottenham spell behind him and rebuild his career in Italy.
Dragusin finding consistency
Speaking to reporters after Fiorentina’s 1-1 draw with Napoli, Dragusin delivered his strongest performance of the season so far.
The defender admitted that he struggled to find regular consistency during his time at Tottenham but believes things are beginning to change since moving to Florence.
Dragusin told reporters, via ViolaNews: “I’m better now, but it’s normal to find the right path at the beginning.
“At Tottenham I didn’t have much consistency. In the end, the present is what matters most. Now we need to continue to grow and improve.”
The centre-back also insisted that he still has plenty of room for improvement and believes Fiorentina is providing the right environment for his development.
“My best? I need to continue to grow, otherwise I’ll never improve. Today I played well, but I’m looking for ways to improve.
“Matches are also played based on the opponent. You need a lot of intensity and concentration in one-on-one situations, so you always have to be alert. If you lose that duel, it becomes difficult.”
Fiorentina could be the right fit
After a turbulent start to the campaign, Fiorentina appear to be finding their rhythm. They are unbeaten in their last two matches and produced a solid display against Napoli on Sunday.
Dragusin has remained a regular throughout the team’s difficult period and recent improvement, suggesting that he is being trusted as an important figure in the defensive line.
Under new manager Paolo Vanoli, the Romanian may also find a system that better suits his strengths. Vanoli does not necessarily require his centre-backs to be heavily involved in building play from the back, which could benefit Dragusin.
The 24-year-old is arguably more comfortable defending in a mid-block or low-block, where his physicality, positioning and ability to defend one-on-one situations can become more valuable.
That was not always the environment he experienced at Tottenham, while injuries also disrupted his progress in North London. At Fiorentina, Dragusin now has an opportunity to regain his confidence, establish consistency and show why the Italian club were willing to commit to him.
Musa
