Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has shown not only his technical ability, but also a new mental aspect to his game by filling in for Marcelo Brozovic in deep midfield.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, who argue that the 28-year-old has grown mentally in showing that he can adapt to playing as the regista.
Calhanoglu was not necessarily the obvious solution to play at the base of Inter’s midfield trio with Brozovic out injured after the September international break.
The Turk has made the transition from attacking midfielder or winger to mezzala since coming to Serie A, but never really played this deep on the pitch before.
However, he the former Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan man has been the player coach Simone Inzaghi has turned to to fill in for Brozovic.
Calhanoglu’s considerable technique has been a major asset for Inter in controlling matches from the midfield.
Just as important, however, have been the effort and physicality from the 28-year-old, as well as the dedication to learn how to play the new role.
Calhanoglu has looked fully comfortable playing in the deeper position, but in reality this apparent comfort is the result of intense work on the training pitch, as well as a lot of growth in terms of the midfielder’s approach to the game.
