Inter Milan starlet Kristjan Asllani acknowledges his place in the pecking order, but he’s still seeking additional playing time despite having to compete with Hakan Calhanoglu.
Yesterday, the 21-year-old was in the starting formation for Albania who routed the Czech Republic with three unanswered goals.
The Albanians have now cemented their lead on top of Group D of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. They are on the cusp of booking their spot in the finals.
Asllani was content with his team’s display and felt his side was lucky to have a numerical advantage.
“It was a difficult match, we knew it, we were lucky that the Czech Republic were reduced to 10 men,” said the former Empoli man in his post-match interview with TV Klan via FcInterNews.
“We played an excellent match. But by the end of the first half, we sat too deep. We talked and said that we had to move up a bit more.
“We have to correct something and seek perfection. We will go to Moldova and play our game as we have always done.”
Inter Milan Youngster Kristjan Asllani Seeks More Playing Time Despite The Competition With Hakan Calhanoglu
As for his status at Inter, the young Albanian admits it’s tough to get playing time when competing for a starting spot with Calhanoglu.
Asllani identifies his Turkish teammate as one of the best three deep-lying playmakers in the world. Yet, he still intends to fight and carve himself a place in the formation.
“I have a strong competitor in Hakan Calhanoglu, one of the three best players in his role. I learn a lot from him.
“But I will not give up. I will fight until the end. I have to work more on the defensive phase. I still have I want to grow physically and I need to earn more minutes.
“I must be able to make the best out of every opportunity. I will not stop working to gain the coach’s trust. It is not easy, given that I play for Inter.
“I also want to dedicate a lot of time to training. I came to Inter to play the role I also played in Empoli’s youth team.
“Is Inzaghi following me with the national team? I don’t know, I think so. However, I’m always happy to be part of Inter.”
