Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram is proving to be an “altruist” in attack rather than being overly selfish or hungry for goals.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
So far this season, Thuram has mostly gone from strength to strength in an Inter shirt.
The reviews for the Frenchman have been positive. Inter have won praise for managing to sign a player of Thuram’s calibre without parting with a transfer fee.
And yet, Thuram has scored just two goals so far.
That is not an abysmal return, but the 26-year-old is a striker. Typically, players in his position do not work their way into the “signing of the season” conversation with just a couple goals at this stage.
But, the Gazzetta note, that is simply not the kind of player Thuram is.
Inter Striker Marcus Thuram An “Altruist” In Attack
Thuram has looked like the kind of striker who is, truthfully, more than happy going all over the pitch.
The Frenchman spends a reasonable amount of time in and around the penalty area.
But Thuram also likes to pull out wide, and above all, search for pockets of space in midfield.
The reasons for this are a couple.
On the one hand, the former Borussia Monchengladbach striker is a player who likes to have the game, and the opposition, ahead of him.
One of Thuram’s most potent weapons is his ability to get away from opposition defenders. Between the Frenchman’s close control in tight spaces and acceleration, he is frequently able to escape a marker, which allows his teammates to get into the spaces he creates.
And Thuram is also the type of striker who is very comfortable playing short passing combinations with teammates.
This has meant that the 26-year-old has virtually always been at the heart of the team’s possession game as they approach the final third. He has often played a key role in Inter’s most dangerous passing moves and goals.
Ultimately, the Gazzetta warn, Thuram will have to find his cutting edge in front of goal.
The Frenchman has already missed a few presentable chances. He won’t want the reputation of a profligate finisher who squaders good opportunities.
But Thuram does not appear to be a “selfish” player whose main focus is his own goal total.
As long as the 26-year-old can scored at a reasonable rate, it will be more than enough when considering his “altruistic” style of play.