Legendary former Inter defender Beppe Bergomi feels that Hakan Calhanoglu was the Nerazzurri’s outstanding performer in their 2-0 Serie A win over Salernitana.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia after the match, Bergomi was full of praise for the 28-year-old’s display at the heart of midfield, and also suggested that Nicolo Barella is starting to show why he has such a strong reputation.
Calhanoglu filled in for the injured Marcelo Brozovic in the deepest role in Inter’s midfield as he had in both matches against Barcelona.
The Turkish international looked comfortable in a regista role which is not necessarily one which he has much experience playing.
Calhanoglu controlled the tempo on b0th sides of the ball, whilst he also assisted Barella’s goal for the team’s second to wrap up the three points.
Bergomi gave the view that “Calhanoglu is playing that role very well, not just in terms of assists or big plays, but also in terms of winning the ball back.”
“He has given Inter midfield solidity and certainty in the absence of Brozovic,” he noted. “Today he was the best player on the pitch.”
Bergomi also spoke about the performance of Barella.
The 25-year-old former Cagliari midfielder has not necessarily been at his best at the start of this season, but Berfomi feels that he is showing the right mentality and consistency now.
“We didn’t see the players gesturing impatiently today,” Bergomi argued, “Everyone was helping everyone else out.”
“With Barella, I was very critical at the start of the season,” he noted, “he wasn’t doing much to help his teammates.”
“If he keeps playing like this, though, and as he has in the past few matches, then he is back to being the international-quality midfielder we all know, and he’s proving himself.
