Brazil wingback Carlos Augusto is already proving himself to be far more than just a backup for Federico Dimarco at Inter Milan.
Italian news outlet Gazzetta.it highlight the 24-year-old Brazilian international’s impressive start to the current season.
When Augusto arrived at Inter this summer, the expectations for him were fairly clear.
The 24-year-old was not coming in to be an automatic first-choice starter.
That was the role of Federico Dimarco. The Italian international enjoyed a real breakout campaign last season, which saw him establish himself as one of the key players in Inter’s starting eleven.
But Dimarco’s form meant that Robin Gosens found playing time hard to come by.
So much so that the German left the Nerazzurri this summer, ending an eighteen-month stint in an Inter shirt.
Augusto, therefore, came in as a player who could provide competition, injury cover, and a different tactical profile to Dimarco on the left flank.
Carlos Augusto Already Far More Than Just A Backup At Inter Milan
So far this season, Augusto has already made two starts.
This hardly makes the former Monza man a pillar of the first-choice eleven. But nor is he just standing by in reserve in case Dimarco picks up an injury or needs a rest.
Moreover, Augusto has been a regular as a substitute throughout the season so far.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi is a big fan of using his substitutions in the wide areas.
The wingback roles are very physically demanding in the coach’s 3-5-2 system, so a player who can add fresh legs and ideas in the positions are a godsend.
In this respect, Augusto has been perfect.
The 24-year-old put in one of his most eye-catching performances in an Inter shirt yet this weekend. He was not able to help Inter score a goal to take three points against Bologna, but he did certainly inject energy and pace into the team.
This will certainly show Dimarco that he has real competition.
And Inzaghi will be reassured in knowing that he always has the option of a player like Augusto, who made eleven goal contributions for Monza last season and has made the step up well to life at Inter, either from the start or from the bench.
Augusto has also been rewarded to his positive start to the club season with a call-up for the Brazilian national team.
The Inter wingback may not become a staple in the Selecao lineup right away. But as with at his club, he has the opportunity to prove that he has a meaningful contribution to make.
