Former Inter midfielder Gianfranco Mattelo feels that trying to replace the contribution of Marcelo Brozovic at Inter is an all but impossible task.

Speaking to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport in an interview published in today’s print edition, the Scudetto winner highlighted the fact that Brozovic’s unique qualities make him irreplaceable.

Inter have played four matches this season without Brozovic available, needing extra time to beat Empoli in the Coppa Italia before losing to Sassuolo and drawing against Torino and Fiorentina in the league.

If it hadn’t already been clear that the team need the 29-year-old in their team to function at their best, their form in his absence has underlined it.

The Croat recently committed his future to Inter with a four-year contract extension which can only be received with relief by the fans, and as Matteoli pointed out, he is a special player whose absence is always felt.

“There’s no player capable of replacing the Croat,” he said, “but it is difficult to find someone with those qualities.”

Of the possibility of playing Stefano Sensi in the role he said that “I like him, but this season he had never played as a regista.”

He also described loaned-out midfielder Lucien Agoume as “A young prospect. But you learn by playing, not by watching others. The experience of the pitch is too important.”

Of midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, Matteoli said that “He’s surprised me. He’s someone who runs and fights. He’s a real player, he could even become a regista – he has quality, technique, vision, a great shot.”