Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram was “unplayable” in the second half of yesterday’s match against Torino.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Corriere della Sera, via FCInter1908.
Thuram drifted out to the left at times. However, he was not really able to build up a head of steam and run at the Granata backline from there.
But in the second half, the spaces started to appear.
And Thuram proved to be exactly the right man to take advantage of them.
The Frenchman used his pace and close control to burst into the patches of space that Torino’s defense left, expertly punishing them for any defensive lack of shape.
This was exactly the kind of presence Inter lacked last season with Edin Dzeko partnering Lautaro Martinez.
Inter captain Martinez certainly brings plenty of quality to the pitch – but speed is not really one of them.
And similarly Dzeko, for all his technical skill, physicality, and experience, was never exactly the quickest player let alone in the latter years of his thirties.
Italian Media Hail “Unplayable” Marcus Thuram Vs Torino
So Thuram’s influence has come as something of a breath of fresh air.
There is an element of Dzeko’s game to the Frenchman. He is comfortable coming deep to get on the ball.
Thuram can operate in tight spaces, and manoeuvre the ball past opposition defenders.
But he showed another gear in the second half against Torino yesterday.
It was after halftime that the spaces really started to appear in behind the Granata backline.
Thuram proved to be exactly the right player to exploit them. He looked more and more confident in waiting to run in behind, or at Torino defenders.
Thuram’s goal showed how clinical he can be when he finds a pocket of space.
But the 26-year-old’s relentless running and dribbling into space were just as important, and just as impressive.
