While others might naturally feel nervous at filling the shoes of Mauro Icardi as Inter’s source of goals, the boy from Bahia Blanca has taken the responsibility in his stride.
Referred to as El Toro, the Argentine has 8 goals so far this season: 5 in the league, 2 since he became a starter, 2 in the Coppa and 1 in the Europa League. His record in the league may not seem that impressive, but for a young striker, enduring his first season of European football, he has scored a goal every 151 minutes and this can be considered quite impressive. The important thing is that Lautaro has shown work rate, athleticism and overall, huge potential for the future.
Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport takes this a step further by analysing the break-out seasons of some of Serie A’s other great strikers. Higuain was an anomaly in the 2004/05 season, in which he scored 24 goals but was much more mature and well known.
Mauro Icardi scored 10 goals in his first season at Sampdoria. Immobile scored 5 at Genoa, excluding his appearances for the Juventus Primavera. Dzeko only managed 10 goals in his first season in Rome, despite his age and time at Manchester City. Cavani only scored 5 goals in 5 months at Napoli. Finally, Luca Toni scored nine in his first season. This shows that what Lautaro has achieved so far is actually on trend.
Although, we should look at the man that Lautaro, shapes himself as, Radamel Falcao. At his age, Falcao scored 15 goals at River Plate. Given El Toro’s new position at Inter, this record could be matched, and it would be a very impressive feat.
Lautaro should be careful from now on. The club need him fit and healthy, but he is also one yellow card away from suspension. So far, he has shown great maturity in holding back from unnecessary challenges. Yet another great sign. Keita Balde could give him a well-deserved recharge against Spal.