The SempreInter.com Player of the Month is back! 6 games played, 5 wins, 14 goals scored and only 3 conceded as Inter start their mission of getting into the Champions League. The ratings are a result of a combination taken from Italian sports daily, Gazzetta dello Sport and our very own ratings that are published after each game. Many of Inter’s new signings have played a huge part in this battle to cling on to one of the four spots that promise Champions League glory. But do they feature in the top 3 highest rated players for September?
With 6 goals scored in 6 games (average rating of 6.58), there is absolutely no doubt that the player of the month for September is none other than Capitano Mauro Icardi! Mauro started this season where he left the last one with a fantastic performance against Fiorentina. In only 20 times he touched the ball in that game he managed to smash 2 goals against Pioli’s new team. His brace-habit continued in Rome(best rating for the month with 8.5) as well where 2 vital goals in the 2nd half blew AS Roma away. He increased his goal tally to 5 against SPAL at home as he slotted a first half penalty that was won by Joao Mario. His last goal in September was also from the spot in Bologna. It was important as it preserved Inter’s unbeaten record in what was a poor performance by everyone. Now add to this is the fact that he was injured during pre-season and not 100% fit to start with just shows the class, attitude and mental fortitude is what makes him World Class!
Following in the Captain’s footsteps are his 2 most reliable and consistent team-mates with a tie in 2nd place. None other than Ivan Perisic and Samir Handanovic (both average 6.50)! Our top 3 all played each game in Aug-Sep and all had a huge part to play in this fantastic start to the season.
Ivan Perisic had a tumultous summer to say the least, but just like Mauro Icardi, he has been an unstoppable force for most of our opponents. Against Fiorentina(rating of 7.5), if not for Icardi’s brace he would have been man of the match. A brilliant cross from the right(!!) wing cross for Icardi virtually sealed the 3 points in the 15th minute. But Ivan wasnt satisfied with that! Our late goal specialist popped up in the 79th minute to put the icing on the 3 points. In Rome too, after a fairly poor first half, Perisic ran riot in 20 second half minutes where Inter managed to score 3 goals in 20 minutes thanks to 2 terrific Perisic assists. He wasnt satisfied with that as I had the honor of witnessing his terrific 87th minute left footed rocket seal the points against SPAL. But wait there is more as he sealed another 3 points in a tough game against Crotone in the, you-guessed-it, 91st minute. Long may this habit continue!
Now, if we have one of the best attacking duo’s in the league in Icardi and Perisic we have, more importantly, a fully refreshed, recharged Samir Handanovic in goal. There is no doubt that his fantastic saves have played a huge part in making us one of the best defences in Europe at the moment. He has less work to do this season as his centerbacks have ensured most of the trouble is avoided, however when Samir is called into action he produces something world class. His season started with that brilliant save against Babacar against Fiorentina where he was not called into action for long periods as we dominated at home. It wasnt easy against Roma as Inter rode their luck but normal service was resumed against SPAL where he got his 2nd clean sheet. Crotone is where he showed us why he was important(7.5). His saves kept us in the match which was a banana skin and he was the reason we returned home unbeaten with 3 points and leadership of the Serie A. Bologna’s high pressure didnt help us as Samir finally conceded a goal but then he made his now usual 1 world class save from Genoa’s Omeonga at home to end his September.
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