Legendary former Inter Milan defender Walter Samuel has revealed how the Nerazzurri can stop superstar Man City striker Erling Haaland.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Il Giorno in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews, the Treble-winner suggested that compactness at the back will be the key element to keeping the Norwegian quiet in the Champions League final.
In tomorrow evening’s showdown with City, Haaland will certainly be a player who Inter identify as a danger man.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a record-breaking first season in English football. Moreover, he has already gotten on the scoresheet ten times in the Champions League this campaign.
Haaland’s combination of pace, strength, and precise technique have made the former Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg star all but impossible to stop at times.
However, from Samuel’s perspective, it is possible.
Inter Milan Legend Samuel: Erling Haaland Can Be Stopped
Il Giorno asked Samuel what the secret is to stopping a player like Haaland.
“There’s no secret to it,” he replied. “You just have to work as a defensive unit.”
Samuel stressed “Compactness, concentration, and balance.”
“This year he has scored a lot,” the Argentine said of Haaland. “But City are a very strong side in general, a complete team.”
He continued “Inter are certainly a team that have great quality.”
“It’s a pity that over the middle of the season they lacked consistency so much, if they’d played more consistently they’d have wrapped up Champions League qualification much sooner.”
“But I remain confident,” he said of the final. “Because in one-off matches, Inter always manage to give their best.”
Walter Samuel Praises Lautaro Martinez
Former defender Samuel also gave his thoughts on current Nerazzurri striker Lautaro Martinez.
“Lautaro Martinez is the extra man,” he said. “We Argentines enjoyed seeing him at the World Cup, he has a lot to give and he looks very enthusiastic at Inter for me.”
Asked if Martinez can win the Ballon D’Or, Samuel said that “As with all footballers, his first desire is to win matches and trophies.”
“Personal awards come later,” he added. “But I say yes, he could easily win the Ballon d’Or.”
