Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has been named as the best player on the pitch in Inter Milan’s 3-0 Serie A win over Torino.
Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, highlight the Turk’s display in the player ratings for the match. Dutch internationals Denzel Dumfries and Stefan de Vrij also come in for praise.
By now, it is certainly no surprise to see Calhanoglu taking up a position at the base of Inter’s midfield.
The 29-year-old former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is now a key part of the Nerazzurri’s starting eleven in the role.
And, the Corriere argue, Calhanoglu gave yet another demonstration of why that is yesterday.
The Turkish international started the match well. Particularly without the ball, he showed just how much he has grown defensively.
Calhanoglu’s defensive instincts were on show, as were the physical side of his defending. A couple excellent tackles helped set the tone for the Nerazzurri.
As the first half wore on, the 29-year-old started to struggle a bit as the Torino midfield really got the wind in its sails in terms of aggressive pressing.
But then in the second, the Inter regista was in full control.
Hakan Calhanoglu In Control For Inter In Second Half Vs Torino
Torino can make it difficult for any team to come to grips with the tempo of a match.
But in the second half, Calhanoglu started to really dictate the pace.
The Inter midfielder became a bit less aggressive in his positioning. He prioritized having time and space on the ball over forcing the issue.
And this proved to be exactly the change that Inter needed to impose themselves on the Granata.
Meanwhile, Dutch wingback Dumfries was decisive from the bench. He assisted Marcus Thuram for Inter’s opener.
And the 27-year-old’s international teammate de Vrij had a very solid match at the back.
The former Lazio defender largely kept Granata striker Pietro Pellegri very quiet.
