Cerci: Tevez is a special player

Posted Sunday, September 29, 2013 by Goal.com

The Italy international has nothing but respect for the hunger that the Argentina international shows every single time he sets foot on a football field

Torino winger Alessio Cerci has hailed Carlos Tevez as "a special player" ahead of Sunday's Turin derby - but joked that the Juventus forward cannot boast of a left foot like his.

The Argentine has made a fine start to his Bianconeri career following his summer switch from Manchester City, having endeared himself to his new club's supporters with three goals from his first five Serie A outings.

However, Cerci believes that it is Tevez's aggressive attitude which sets him apart from other players, with the winger revealing during an interview with Tuttosport which of the 29-year-old's assets he wished he possessed.

"The anger that he expresses during the 90 minutes; this strong character that he has; this incredible grit," he said.

"He transmits positive energy. Tevez is always fired up on the field. He has extraordinary technical skills, great physical abilities which, when added to that character, make him a special player.

"But he certainly doesn't have my left foot!"

Cerci has also caught the eye this season, having notched five times already in his new, more advanced attacking position.

However, he knows that Torino will be up against it at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

"Inside of us, we all believe we can do it," he said. "But it's a tough game and we know we have to pull off, if not a miracle, then at least a great feat."

Cerci was linked with a move to AC Milan during the summer and while he insists that he is perfectly happy in Turin, he freely admits that he is desperate to play in the Champions League at some point.

"I've always said I want to stay at Torino," he said. "If we had ever had to analyse certain situations, I do it.

"Also because I'm no longer a kid. At 26, you would like to realise the dream of playing in the Champions League."

The latest instalment of the Derby della Mole is scheduled to kick off at 12:30CET.