Striker Marcus Thuram has been named as the outstanding performer for Inter Milan in yesterday’s Champions League win over Benfica.
The Frenchman received a score of 7.5/10 in the player ratings for the match published in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
In the end, Thuram’s goal was the difference between Inter and Benfica at the San Siro yesterday.
The Nerazzurri truthfully created quite a few changes to score more than just the one goal in the group stage clash.
But for the most part the ball didn’t want to go in for Inter.
Captain Lautaro Martinez hit the frame of the goal on two occasions. Meanwhile, Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin made a string of outstanding saves to frustrate the Nerazzurri.
Therefore, it was absolutely crucial that Thuram was able to slot past the Ukrainian when he had the chance.
It was not the most emphatic scoreline. But the 26-year-old gave Inter the three points to get a foothold in their Champions League group.
Marcus Thuram Named As MOTM For Inter In UCL Win Vs Benfica
Thuram’s performance was also about much more than just his second half goal.
The Frenchman continued his impressive start to the season. He played an important role in stitching together the attack, giving trouble to the Benfica defenders for the entire time he was on the pitch.
Therefore, for the Gazzetta no player deserved a higher score than Thuram.
However, there were a few players who came very close.
The Gazzetta awarded 7/10 grades to defenders Alessandro Bastoni and Benjamin Pavard.
The duo were key parts of the Nerazzurri’s attacking play from their positions on the sides of the back three. And both put in very solid defensive shifts.
Meanwhile, former Roma and Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan received the same grade. The 34-year-old gave yet another demonstration of how influential he can be in the midfield battle.
And the Gazzetta gave a score of 7/10 to Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.,
