Inter striker Edin Dzeko showed that age is only a number with his performance in a 2-0 win over AC Milan.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, who highlight the Bosnian’s performance in the Champions League semifinal victory, along with that of fellow veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
There is no ignoring the fact that Dzeko is a player well into his thirties.
Having turned 37 earlier this spring, the former Roma and Manchester City man is at an age where many players would have already retired.
However, this has been little impediment to Dzeko making his contribution to the Nerazzurri. In the first half against Milan yesterday, the Bosnian put in a great shift by any standard.
The most eye-catching moment from Dzeko was certainly his goal. Just eight minutes into the match, the 37-year-old scored a stunning volley from a Hakan Calhanoglu corner kick to open the scoring.
However, Tuttosport argues, this only scratches the surface of what the striker contributed. Dzeko used his strength, sense of positioning, and technical ability to wreak havoc on Milan’s backline.
Rossoneri centre-backs Fikayo Tomori and Simon Kjaer found themselves struggling to mark the Inter striker. Edin Dzeko expertly held the ball up and dictated the attacking tempo, and made several clever attacking runs.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan also rolled back the years
Dzeko was not the only veteran player who showed how decisive players well into their thirties can be.
Nor, for that matter, was the Bosnian the only former Roma man to prove vital.
The Bosnian’s former Giallorossi teammates Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the Nerazzurri’s second goal, just a couple minutes after Dzeko’s.
Moreover, like the 37-year-old, Mkhitaryan did far more than just score.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United man put in an all-action display that Milan’s midfield couldn’t keep up with.
