bad boys

In his regular weekly column Inter fanatic Sam Olsen will be delving deep into the stories that matter to Inter’s fans looking to keep the spirit of discussion and dispute alive and well on the pages of Sempreinter.com. New Zealander Sam has published several books on military history as well as contributing to a number of sport and news related websites. His love for Inter began in 1997 watching Ronaldo waltz through confused defences in the famous blue and black, and he has enjoyed the roller coaster ride ever since. His favourite moment was watching the team lift the Coppa Italia in 04-05 with Mancini, breaking the long domestic trophy drought, while his favourite player is Javier Zanetti, the great one, who encompasses everything good and right about the club.

August 31st 2014. Inter v Torino. Only a few weeks left until kick-off on another Internazionale themed roller coaster. A few weeks before the twists and turns, highs and lows, and unusual incidents that accompany any season begin to reveal themselves. This will be the first season where the full impact of the Thohir takeover becomes apparent, the first without the senators who have carried the squad for so many years, and the season where a host of new blood will be cast into the roughest seas to see if they will sink or swim. Who then will be the player that will take the proverbial bull by the horns and end this season as the new main man for Inter? Who will step into those boots vacated by the giants, the Cambiasso’s, Milito’s, Samuel’s and most importantly Zanetti’s? Who will earn the plaudits from the passionate Nerazzurri faithful once the curtain is finally drawn on the 31st of May 2015 against Empoli?

Here are my thoughts on the potential candidates for the star of Inter 2014/15.

Samir Handanovic. Goalkeeper: Mr. Consistent for a crumbling Inter over the last two seasons. His calmness under pressure has been at odds to the often frantic and bewildered defenders who have played in front of him. More of the same will be expected this season from the veteran.

Nemanja Vidic. Defender: The rock at the back will be expected to bring stability and an essence of calm. He has shown in preseason what an influence he can have at both ends of the pitch. If he remains fit for the season he could be the man to take Inter back to the Champions League through strength of character alone

Juan Jesus. Defender: Will this be the break out year for the young defender who has shown glimpses of his potential over the last season or so but still lacks the consistency to be up there with the best. Perhaps playing alongside Vidic will help him to become the star Inter believe he can be.

Andrea Ranocchia. Defender: His future under the darkest of clouds only a few months ago, Ranocchia’s return to favour has been as surprising as it is dramatic. The young Italian has been entrusted with the captaincy of the team in a move that could see him rise to the top or sink to the bottom under the weight of the added expectation.

Yann M’Vila. Midfielder: M’Vila, a player who only a few years ago was being chased by Europe’s finest clubs but has since struggled in the Russian wilderness, has more to prove than most at Inter and seems determined to show what he can do. Can he rediscover that spark and dominate the midfield for Internazionale. If so he could be name fans are singing come the seasons end.

Gary Medel. Midfielder: Another combative midfielder with something to prove. Medel struggled with a poor Cardiff team and is determined to prove he can cut it at the top. Will he be the man who will solve Inter’s perennial problem of opposition counter attacks or will his bark be worse than his bite.

Mateo Kovacic. Midfielder: The great hope of Internazionale. Last season he showed that his feet were capable of magic but he is still guilty of disappearing from games and struggling to take matches by the scruff of the neck, particularly when Inter are on the back foot. Can this season be the one where he becomes the conductor of the Inter orchestra on a consistent basis?

Hernanes. Midfielder: Part of the squad embarrassed in Brazil, Inter will be hoping he can shake off the pain of that defeat and be the leader of the Inter midfield following the departure of Cambiasso. His experience and presence will be vital to the team’s success.

Rodrigo Palacio. Forward: Perhaps the most consistent forward for the team in the last couple of seasons, Inter will be hoping that Palacio continues where he left off. His energy, movement and experience will be important in the final third, and could leave him as Inter’s main man by seasons end.

Mauro Icardi. Forward: The prodigious and controversial young striker thrills and frustrates in equal measure but his immense talent is undeniable. Will this season see him add an element of responsibility to his game that will propel him to the leagues top scorer lists or will he remain something of a double edged sword, talented but volatile.

Pablo Osvaldo. Forward: If Icardi has some baggage then Osvaldo has a boat load. To say his signing caused a mixed reaction with Inter fans would be a gross understatement. Osvaldo stands at last chance saloon and Inter will be hoping that this spurs him on to fulfil his so far wasted potential. Only time will tell whether he is the spark that sets alight Inter’s season or causes it to implode under the weight of his selfishness. He is capable in equal measure of both outcomes.

So will any of these players be the one whose name is being chanted at the season’s end or will someone else be the name on everyone’s lips? Only time will tell. I like the look of Yann M’Vila and can see him being a major protagonist for the team. Kovacic will also continue to thrill fans but I think he will need a couple of years before he can really dominate midfields on a consistent basis. I think this year will belong to Mauro Icardi. He is a confident player, seems able to shake off any off the field controversy and has a knack for scoring. I expect him to be scoring more than 20 goals this season and if the midfield can create enough chances for him I don’t see why he can be challenging for Capocannoniere honours come season end.

Do you agree with Sam? Discuss below in the comments section.