Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has won praise for his role at the heart of Inter Milan’s team in yesterday’s 4-0 thrashing of Fiorentina.
As Italian news outlet L’Interista highlights, the player ratings for the Turk were positive across the board. Calhanoglu started yesterday’s match in what has become his customary role at the base of Inter’s midfield trio.
The 29-year-old former AC Milan and Bayern Leverkusen looked to dictate play from that position.
Calhanoglu was a key driver of the Nerazzurri’s tactical approach. Inter did not dominate possession against La Viola.
Rather, Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi had his side play in a very aggressive and direct way. And so, as Inter’s regista, Calhanoglu had to focus on making the move incisive use of possession.
The 29-year-old did just that. Calhanoglu was the heartbeat of Inter’s entire midfield.
As such, his quick thinking and accurate long and short passing were vital for springing several attack.
Hakan Calhanoglu Lauded For Performance In Serie A Thrashing Of Fiorentina
Flanked on either side by Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Nicolo Barella, the Turkish international had to hold together the central trio. And he did just that.
Calhanoglu also acted as an effective screen for the back three behind him.
The Turk did a solid job of stopping Fiorentina midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura in particular from having too much of an influence on proceedings.
This was in keeping with what’s been a strong start to the season for Calhanoglu.
Subsequently, the Turk was one of Inter’s outstanding players against Monza and Cagliari as well. There are no doubts remaining about Calhanoglu’s suitability to play in the deep-lying playmaker role.
All of the Gazzetta dello Sport, the Corriere dello Sport, Tuttosport, and TuttoMercatoWeb graded Calhanoglu 7/10.
Meanwhile, L’Interista felt that the 29-year-old was worthy of an even higher score. They gave him a rating of 7.5/10.
