Former Inter central midfielder and coach Marco Tardelli has sang the praises of current Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella and has highlighted how the Italian has progressed in his time with Inter.
“He is different, in a positive sense, compared to last year. He is becoming more and more decisive as a complete midfielder,” he explained in an interview with Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, which appeared in yesterday’s print edition of the Milan based news outlet.
“I like his values and character, they are typically Sardinian. He has already shown a lot with Inter, I’m sure he will grow and give more and more.”
Next Tardelli was asked whether or not Barella can already be considered as a leader in this Inter squad despite only being 23-years-old right now.
“Absolutely, because he himself feels and knows he is. When it comes to youngsters, we can’t think that someone like Barella can take the team by the hand and drag it alone, but he can still be a determining factor.”
Tardelli was then asked what Barella’s biggest strengths are and what areas of his game he can work on improving.
“He is very good at throwing himself in when there is space, he knows how to be deadly. He also has quality, which combines a lot of quantity and often even a healthy unconsciousness.
“On the other hand, perhaps, there is still a bit of anarchy in him. Sometimes he should be more balanced from a tactical point of view. In any case, for being his age, it is all there. We have to wait for him, he will become great.”
Barella joined Inter in the Summer of 2019 from fellow Serie A side Cagliari and he is under contract with the Nerazzurri club until the end of the 2023/24 season.
In his first season with the club, the Italian national team player scored four goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.