Ex-Nerazzurri Defender Antonio Paganin: “Edin Dzeko’s Form Has Been Inter’s Great Discovery This Season, Didn’t Expect Robin Gosens To Struggle Like This”

Former Inter defender Antonio Paganin feels that the form of Edin Dzeko this season has been a major unexpected highlight for the Nerazzurri.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster TMW Radio, via FCInter1908, Paganin also noted that he did not expect wingback Robin Gosens to have the difficulties that he has been having so far in the campaign.

Dzeko had largely been expected to head into the current season having a backup role at Inter.

The arrival of Romelu Lukaku back on loan from Chelsea meant that the Bosnian seemed to fall behind in the pecking order as far as the attacking pairing.

However, injuries to the Belgian have meant that a lot of responsibility has been given the Dzeko, and he has not only done his job but exceeded expectations such that the team have hardly missed Lukaku.

“I think he’s been Inter’s biggest discovery of the season,” Paganin said of Dzeko’s form, “considering that he’s well into his thirties but is still holding up very well physically.”

“He’s solved many of the team’s problems, taking charge when Inter were really doing badly, especially considering his influence in the two matches against Barcelona,” the former defender continued.

“I hope another club doesn’t come in and offer him an important contract before Inter does.”

“It’s also worth taking into account that a lot of players will be at the World Cup and will be coming back from the high temperatures of Qatar to the cold of January, which will not happen with Dzeko,” Paganin also noted.

The former defender went on that “We must congratulate Dimarco, who’s earned the starting role with his performances on the pitch.”

“As far as Gosens, I didn’t expect him to struggle like this, I thought he could adapt on the pitch even if the adjustment to a higher level has perhaps held him back.”

“I remember him being a much more assertive player at Atalanta,” Paganin noted of Gosens.

Of the form of midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, Paganin said that “Even Inzaghi won’t have expected this response from him.”

“It will be tricky to try and mess with the balance created with the Turk at the base of midfield now that Brozovic is back,” Paganin continued.

“Another big surprise has been Mkhitaryan, who’s been a key element in increased competition for places in midfield.”

Of the emergence of Andre Onana as Inter’s starting goalkeeper over Samir Handanovic, Paganin said that “The important thing was to make a decisive choice.”

“Alternation, especially when it comes to goalkeepers, is almost never productive,” he suggested.

“The coach at a big club has to be ready to make big decisions, even if they’re unpopular.”