World Cup Scout - Domenico Criscito

Our Scout has now turned his attention to the World Cup finals and over the coming weeks will report on some of the best talent in South Africa.

Also, in association with Football Manager, we give all readers the chance to win a copy of the latest game by nominating a player.

You can only nominate a player by emailing here, including the word 'Scout' in your subject line and please check to make sure we haven't already covered the player!

Should your player get reviewed by our scout, and you were first to send in his name, then you will win a copy of Football Manager 2010.

Next under our scout's gaze at the finals is Italian star Domenico Criscito - recommended by Sky Sports reader Peter Ellison.

The scout reports...

Despite Italy's early exit, the Sky Sports Scout was sufficiently impressed with Domenico Criscito and he files his report on the left-back.

Like with many full-backs at the World Cup, Criscito did not start life on the flank, but as a central defender.

Aged just 13, Criscito moved to Northern Italy to begin his quest of being a professional footballer and three years later he made his professional debut for Genoa in Serie B.

12 months later and Juventus signed half of him in a co-ownership deal and he became part of their Primavera side, which he helped become the best in Italy.

In 2006 he returned to Genoa, still as a centre-back, and he established himself as one of the best young prospects in Italian football. In January 2007 Juventus returned to snap him up on a full-time basis and later that year he made his debut for the Old Lady.

However, things did not go too well for him during his time as he was deemed not strong enough to make it at centre-half and was relegated to the bench.

In January 2008 he returned to Genoa and later that summer they bought half of him back.

He found himself first-choice left-back for Gian Piero Gasperini's side and he has not looked back since the change of role.

In August 2009 he was handed his Azzurri debut and less than 12 months later he was their starting left-back at the World Cup finals.

The scout says...

Despite Italy's exit, Criscito showed that he is developing into a top-class full-back, and to that extent his future is now open to debate.

Genoa are desperate to sign him on a permanent basis but Juventus want to bring him back, while there is believed to be rival interest from the continent.

The Scout rating...

Shooting: 6 out of 10

Passing: 7 out of 10

Tackling: 9 out of 10

Heading: 8 out of 10

Pace: 9 out of 10

Vision: 7 out of 10

Current ability: 8 out of 10

Potential ability: 9 out of 10

OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 63/80

Current value: £6million

Potential value: £18million

Your opinion...

You have read our opinion of Criscito - now we want your views. Have you seen Criscito in action? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it?

And if you have spotted anyone you think we should feature then please get in touch using the same form. We will look to send out the Scout to follow up some of your leads.