Tino Livramento's valuation has soared in the space of just a few weeks after his performances for England U21s at the Euros
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Tino Livramento in action for England U21s against Spain
Tino Livramento in action for England U21s against Spain
Tino Livramento has refused to shy away from comparisons with Gareth Bale after lighting up the U21 Euros in Slovakia.
Already compared to the Welsh wizard by Theo Walcott this summer, Livramento is a leading contender for player of the tournament at the Euros after helping the Young Lions reach the semi-finals with victory over Spain on Saturday.
Livramento was at the heart of a 22-man brawl at the final whistle, having produced another accomplished performance for Lee Carsley's men.
His form over the last 12 months has seen the player linked with a move to Manchester City, although there hasn't been a bid yet for the player - with talk of a paltry £45million valuation on his head.
Livramento, however, revealed last week that he felt at ease about his future at Newcastle United after transfer chats with Eddie Howe.
And he is keen to keep improving his game, particularly in the final third in an attacking sense.
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When asked about bringing more offensive explosiveness to his game next season at Newcastle, with Bale used as the inspiration, Livramento told reporters: "Yeah, I think that's something that me, my dad, my coaches, my agent, we talk about and that's something I definitely need to improve in my game.
"You look at the full-backs now that are at the top level, they're sort of getting midfielder and attacking numbers in terms of goals and assists. So it's definitely something that I want to add.
"I think that will come naturally with my age, hopefully, and almost that mentality of not really caring when I get in the final third. But I think for now it's just about being in the moment, being in this tournament and doing what I can do to help the team.
"It's something I want to add and it's something I'm going to keep working on individually. And ultimately, it's just down to me.
"Put the pressure on myself to obviously be that player that a team can rely on in their moments.
"You can't just rely on just attackers in every top team in the world. See PSG with their two full backs. Anyone chipping in with goals and assists is a big thing."
Walcott had said on Channel 4: "He’s kind of a right-footed Gareth Bale in stature and the way he runs, and I feel like he’s the perfect wing-back.
"Then the Newcastle factor and working with Eddie Howe, English, that whole community of English guys around him, I think that’s part of why Thomas Tuchel feels it’s important for him to be at this tournament."
Bale, of course, started his career as a left-back with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur before developing into an explosive goalscoring winger, with the capability to play as a central striker as well.
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The Welshman joined Real Madrid for a then world record transfer of £85.3million in 2013, and went on to win four Champions League titles.