Nicolo. Fagioli. Is. A. Generational. Talent.
He is literally equal (if not very slightly better) than Pirlo, on raw talent. Him being competitive, even after all the time in the youth teams, shouldn't surprise anyone. He's been keeping his skills sharp; hell, he's been expanding them, even. He's done things in Serie C which are frankly stunning, given his experience level, showing that his feel and intelligence are very much in tact. Those are by far the most important things in football. It's what separates the Pirlos, Xavis, and Fagiolis from the Pjanićs, Jorginhos of the world (with the latter being very good players, but lacking that extra something).
As for raw pace, whilst I'm aware of data which shows that Fagioli is still very much on it, I accept that that isn't really an argument. The truth will out soon enough. But think of it this way: why would Fagioli risk his golden boy reputation? He has zero interest in playing for the sake of playing. He isn't coming to 1st team for a joyride; he's coming for podiums, wins, and maybe even a UCL. Scudetto is merely stage one. I know I get laughed out of the park round here when I say that Fagioli will be on Real's radar, and that I wouldn't at all be surprised to see him end his career on a high in the white shirt, but I fully believe that'll be the case. That's why all this 'is he good enough for first team' nonsense is so frustrating to me - fucking obviously, he is. The question is whether he can still show pace and diligence worthy of the top 3 team in the world, like he did in his stint in primavera.
There's no doubt in my mind that the waste of space opinions of all the armchair pesimists will be dust in the wind come mid-season 2022. Nobody will be in any doubt about what the name 'Nicolo Fagioli' means by then. And it will be the teams who will come knocking to Fagioli; not the other way round.