Former Nerazzurri forward Youri Djorkaeff feels that at the moment, Inter Milan are on par with any other team in Europe.

The Frenchman gave his thoughts on the start of his old team’s start to the Champions League campaign to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews.

Inter are now just a few hours away from beginning their Champions League group stage campaign.

The Nerazzurri face Real Sociedad away for their first match of the season in Europe’s top club competition.

Last season Inter reached the Champions League final. So the expectations could hardly be higher.

Last time around, the Nerazzurri dispatched Barcelona and Viktoria Plzen in the group stage.

Then, in the knockouts, Inter eliminated Porto, Benfica, and AC Milan.

The Nerazzurri fell to Premier League giants Manchester City in the final. But it was a narrow 0-1 defeat, and Inter’s performance suggested that there was not as much of a gap between the two teams as many expected their would be.

And this season, if Inter want to repeat last season’s final appearance, or even do one better, there are plenty of top teams standing in their way.

For his part, though, Djorkaeff believes that they’re capable of going toe-to-toe with absolutely anyone.

Djorkaeff: Inter Milan On Par With Anyone In Europe

The former Inter forward looked back, “The loss in the Champions League final was a shame because Inter had massive chances.”

“City were the big favourites in that final for everyone. But that match unfolded very differently from how everyone had expected.”

“Unfortunately, it’s not every day that you get to play in the Champions League final,” Djorkaeff continued.

“But if they’re going to play like they did in the last edition, they’ll have to rediscover the same confidence that they showed the whole world in Turkey.”

“But Inter can play any team in Europe on par, that’s now clear,” Djorkaeff said.

Djorkaeff called that 5-1 derby win on Saturday “Proof that Inter know how to defend well. But at the same time, they have great individual quality in attack.”

Praise For Marcus Thuram, Benjamin Pavard & Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Of Inter striker Marcus Thuram, Djorkaeff said that “I’ve known him well since I was a child. I watched him grow up.”

“I love him on a personal level, but in general I like his game,” he said of Thuram. “He’s a very modern striker who can do everything.”

“I think going to Inter was an excellent choice for him,” he went on.

“He joined a unique team, but I believe that if he learns to adapt fully, and I have no doubt that he will succeed in doing so, he will be among the best players in the Italian league, and will also be able to grow in terms of European status.”

Djorkaeff also gave his thoughts on another Frenchman who joined Inter this summer, defender Benjamin Pavard.

“Benji can be a blessing for every coach,” he said.

“He can take up different positions, centre-back or fullback with the same naturalness.”

Djorkaeff also called Inter midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan “One of the most players out there. And we saw that in the derby.”

“If Inter have become so good, it’s partly because of the balance he’s given them,” he added.