Manuel Locatelli vs Nicolò Barella
Per-90 stats comparison · Rising Transfers DNA Analysis · 2025/26 season
Data Verdict
Nicolò Barella commands a higher market value (€60.0M vs €25.0M). Manuel Locatelli leads in passes (final 3rd) / 90 and tackles won / 90. Nicolò Barella is stronger in goals / 90 and assists / 90. Overall, Manuel Locatelli holds the statistical edge across 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Based on per-90 statistics · How we compare players →
Playing Style Profiles
Locatelli has spent years being the midfielder that makes everything work without ever making the highlight reel—and the numbers finally prove why that matters. Operating in Serie A's congested midfield battles, he ranks in the top 5% for passes per 90, tackles won, press intensity, and passes into the final third simultaneously; finding a player who dominates all four categories at once is genuinely rare.
Barella is the engine that makes Inter's midfield breathe—a box-to-box dynamo whose footballing intelligence operates at a frequency most teammates can only follow, not match. His key pass rate sits in Serie A's top 5%, and his assist numbers land in the top 10%, meaning the creativity isn't accidental—it's systematic.
Per-90 Statistics Comparison
| Metric | Manuel Locatelli | Nicolò Barella | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals / 90 | 0.03 | 0.11 | Nicolò |
| Assists / 90 | 0.06 | 0.29 | Nicolò |
| Shots / 90 | 1.31 | 1.27 | — |
| Key passes / 90 | 1.43 | 2.61 | Nicolò |
| Passes (final 3rd) / 90 | 15.12 | 7.80 | Manuel |
| Tackles won / 90 | 2.05 | 1.17 | Manuel |
| Interceptions / 90 | 1.18 | 0.40 | Manuel |
| Press intensity / 90 | 3.05 | 2.67 | Manuel |
| Pass accuracy % | 89.40 | 85.00 | Manuel |
All statistics per 90 minutes · 2025/26 season · FULL quality DNA data only
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the better player — Manuel Locatelli or Nicolò Barella?
Nicolò Barella commands a higher market value (€60.0M vs €25.0M). Manuel Locatelli leads in passes (final 3rd) / 90 and tackles won / 90. Nicolò Barella is stronger in goals / 90 and assists / 90. Overall, Manuel Locatelli holds the statistical edge across 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
How is this comparison calculated?
Rising Transfers compares players using per-90 statistics normalised for playing time, combined with DNA playing style vectors built from 47 performance dimensions. This ensures fair comparison regardless of team, league, or playing time. Learn more about our comparison methodology →
What are their market values?
Manuel Locatelli has a market value of €25.0M, while Nicolò Barella is valued at €60.0M.