New Inter signing Hakan Calhanoglu is an “undefined midfielder” in the words of Italian journalist Mario Sconcerti, technically extremely skillful but lacking in directness.
Writing in his column for Calciomercato.com yesterday, the journalist characterized the 27-year-old differently than some others who have praised the player as a perfect fit for new Inter coach Simone Inzaghi’s tactical system.
Nerazzurri supporters will hope that the Turkish playmaker will be able to fit into the team in every phase of play and perform one of the roles in Inzaghi’s demanding tactical setup in a way that is not only attractive to watch but also impactful.
In this respect, Inter fans will hope that Sconcerti’s appraisal of the player does not turn out to be an accurate prediction of his performances in Nerazzurri colours.
“Calhanoglu is a good player but an indefinite midfielder,” Sconcerti writes, “He loves to play high up but he scores little, he has great technique and quality but he touches the ball too much.”
Sconcerti compares Calhanoglu unfavourably to stricken Inter midfielder Christian Eriksen, which will not be good news to those who hope for the Turk to directly replace the Dane in the Nerazzurri team.
“He has nothing to do with Eriksen, who is cold, fast, and linear. Calhanoglu is one who turns on himself, someone you expect more and more from because of what you know he can give, because he promises so much, he undoubtedly knows how to play.”
“You always hope that he will complete his game, but he turned 27 in February and it still hasn’t happened.”
Sconcerti also weighed in on the potentially controversial aspect of the player’s transfer from city rivals Milan, arguing that there is no sense of betrayal as players are simply free to leave one club for another when their contract expires.”
“It’s always up to the player to choose,” he writes, “[Milan Sporting Director Paolo] Maldini has nothing to do with it. This has been the case by law since 1981. Can we still be surprised?”
