Former Juventus and AC Milan defender Gianluca Zambrotta discussed new Inter signing Achraf Hakimi in an interview in yesterday’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Discussing strong young players, the best foreigner will be Hakimi I think. Last season he played 45 games with 9 goals and 10 assists, in an important league like the Bundesliga.”
The 43-year-old Italian commented on how the 21-year-old Moroccan full back has good tactical flexibility, perfect for coach Antonio Conte.
“For a full-back and a player of his age these are important numbers. He can be both a full-back and wing back.
“If Conte will play five in the midfield, he can make a difference. For him it is a new league and this is an unknown, but with Antonio in terms of work and mentality he can improve a lot.”
Finally, Zambrotta further praised Hakimi and touched on the player’s qualities.
“Physically he is ready and prepared, he has great personality. He is powerful, he has pace but also technique, and finding a full-back that combines these qualities is not easy.”
The 21-year-old Hakimi, who is contracted to the Nerazzurri until 2025 after signing from Real Madrid earlier this year, impressed in the last two seasons he spent in Germany on loan with Borussia Dortmund.
Hakimi made 45 appearances across all competitions last season for Dortmund, for a total of 3571 minutes. In that time, he scored nine goals and provided ten assists, helping the side finish second behind Bayern Munich.
The player is expected to be coach Antonio Conte’s main choice for the right wing back role, filling the space previously occupied most commonly by Antonio Candreva and Danilo D’Ambrosio.
