Radu Dragusin’s spell at Tottenham didn’t go according to plan and the same can now be said for his ongoing stint at Fiorentina. 

The centre-back sustained a serious knee injury last year that held back his progress in London. Even after his return to action, things didn’t improve as he couldn’t get enough game time.

This led to links with a move to Italy, as Fiorentina sealed an initial loan move early in the window. They also inserted an obligation to buy in the deal, which proved to be quite an enticing opportunity for Tottenham.

But so far, things haven’t gone in the right direction for the Romanian.

Belief player only at 30/100

Journalist Luca Calamai spoke to FirenzeViola about Dragusin, who was a key point of discussion because of Fiorentina’s upcoming clash against Juventus. The defender came through the Bianconeri youth academy before moving to Genoa and will play against the Old Lady at the weekend.

Calamai told the outlet: : “We’re going crazy with all these clashes between Fiorentina and Juventus. One concerns Dragusin, a player from whom I expected a hundred, but for now he’s given 30.”

The Italian also noted that Dragusin has had just one good game and that came against Napoli some weeks ago.

“Until a couple of years ago he was considered a potential star, he went to Tottenham, then his knee broke and we know that type of injury affects a player for about a year.”

“Florence seemed like the ideal place for him, but instead I’ve only seen him perform well against Napoli.”

Calamai also expressed belief that the game against Juve could be vital for Dragusin’s Fiorentina career.

“Seeing the real Dragusin against Juve would give Paratici the conviction that he was right to bring him to Fiorentina, and Juve the regret of not having understood the potential of the 2002-born player, but also Fiorentina the idea that with him they can find the solution to their defensive problems.”

Our take: Player backed to become leader

The 24-year-old has played and started every Serie A game so far this season. Even if he hasn’t always been great, it is a sign that he is being backed to become a leader at the back.

And that is good to see, as Dragusin really needed that after his ACL injury. He does appear slower than he was, which is another reason why regular playing time is a positive.

But as Calamai’s comments suggest, expectations for the player remain high. Tottenham would hope that things keep improving, as they would get €17.5m from his exit.