Lazar Samardzic could be in for a fairly tactically versatile role at Inter Milan once he completes a move from Udinese.
This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who anticipate that the German-born Serbian international could well be tested in both attacking positions as well as transitioned to a deeper role on the pitch.
Barring surprises, Samardzic will become an Inter player soon.
The Nerazzurri have reached a full agreement with Udinese. Moreover, the player has agreed a five-year deal and is keen to make the switch soon.
The natural question for Inter fans to ask will be – what kind of player is the club getting? And what is the intention of the Nerazzurri directors pushing so hard to complete a deal for the 21-year-old?
As the Gazzetta notes, Samardzic has the attributes of a fairly traditional Number Ten or trequartista.
Over two seasons at Udinese, the former RB Leipzig midfielder has distinguished himself with his passing vision, particularly in the final third.
Samardzic has played largely on the right side of a midfield trio. However, he has been given license to occupy mostly attacking position.
The tough-tackling, positionally disciplined Walace has occupied the regista position. This has meant that the creative duties have largely fallen to Samardzic when he has played.
The question, then, is just how this will translate to Inter.
How Lazar Samardzic Could Fit In At Inter Milan Tactically
Both Inter and Udinese play a 3-5-2 system.
However, while the similarities don’t end there, it would be important to note the two clubs’ respective situations.
Inter, as a bigger and more ambitious club with more technically adept players, are used to having more possession, and having to be more proactive in how they play.
Controlling midfield with box-to-box players who are proficient on both sides of the ball is key to Inter under Simone Inzaghi.
For this reason, Samardzic will not likely be able to precisely reprise the right-sided role he has largely played in Udinese’s midfield trio.
The reason for this is that, rather than having a player like Walace “protecting” him, Samardzic will be surrounded by players who are all expected to participate in the buildup and attack.
Therefore, the Gazzetta suggests, a big part of Inzaghi’s task with Samarzic will be consolidating his defensive awareness.
If Samardzic is to play the right-sided mezzala position, he will need to do so with defensive awareness as well as physical intensity when he doesn’t have the ball.
The likes of Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be models for this sort of transformation.
However, the Gazzetta suggests, a slightly different path forward could also be possible for Samardzic.
Rather than largely playing in the final third, the newspaper anticipates, the Serb could play in a deeper role.
This is not an uncommon transition for traditional Number Tens to make. It would be a demanding task for Samardzic, but plenty of players have done it, from the legendary Andrea Pirlo to current Inter stalwart Hakan Calhanoglu.
