Radu Dragusin arrived at Tottenham Hotspur from Genoa in January 2024 as a highly-rated central defender, but inconsistent displays and an ACL injury hampered his efforts to secure a regular place in the first XI.

As part of the major squad rebuild, the Romanian international left Spurs to join Fiorentina on a season-long loan in the summer. The defender had revealed that sporting director Fabio Paratici played a major role in his decision to move to Florence. The loan will turn into an obligation to buy for Fiorentina once he reaches 22 appearances for the club.

Back in Serie A, Radu Dragusin has been trying his best to rediscover his mojo. He has started in every Serie A game for Fiorentina this season thus far, but amid the team’s poor form, the Spurs loanee has come under criticism.

Inter Milan boss backs Radu Dragusin to do well at Fiorentina after recovering from long-term injury

Cristian Chivu, whose Inter Milan side defeated Fiorentina 2-1 last weekend, remains an admirer of his fellow compatriot. The Inter Milan boss feels that Dragusin needs confidence, but also regular playing time and games to get back to his best.

“Radu is Radu. He’s back after a long injury; he needs confidence, time, and games,” Cristian Chivu was quoted as saying by Labaro Viola.

Chivu also took time to evaluate Fiorentina’s season so far, insisting that they are improving every game and their position in the table is a false image of how they actually play.

“Radu plays for an ambitious team, a good team, and their position in the table doesn’t reflect their play,” he added.

“He must be patient and give his best.”

Fiorentina’s defending as a whole has been extremely disappointing. They have the second-worst defensive record in the division and lie 18th in the table. Dragusin has been a part of the side that has leaked an alarming 19 goals in eight games, and being a key figure at the back, the 24-year-old has not delivered the goods as anticipated.

La Viola battled against relegation last season, and their idea in recruiting Dragusin was to tighten the screws in defence. Unfortunately, it hasn’t happened thus far, with the big Romanian still not at his best after sustaining an ACL injury last year. With more time on the pitch, his performances certainly should improve. This is what Tottenham bosses will pray for, as they want to offload the Bucharest native permanently.