Julio Cruz has heaped praise upon Inter captain Mauro Icardi following his first goal for the Argentine national team.

“I am very happy that he has scored his first goal for the national team, I really am. He deserved it and his growth is the result of his professionalism and commitment,” Cruz said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

“The fact that he is the captain of Inter, who has been able to give himself continuity and strength in the Champions League and now with the national team, well, it makes him a world-class player. I am convinced that this goal for Argentina will help him grow more.”

Cruz also spoke on Icardi’s ability to always be there at the right time.

“Mauro is simply someone who is always ready. Call him and he is there. He may not have the ball for an hour but when you give it to him, he scores. Over the years he has refined this ability to know where to be and to know how to wait for the right time and then exploit it.