Hakan Calhanoglu looks to have complete his transformation into a “total midfielder” at the base of Inter Milan’s trio.
This is the view in yesterday’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Calhanoglu dictating play from the base of midfield has certainly become a familiar sight in Inter matches.
And against Salzburg, the 29-year-old gave yet another clinic in playing the holding role.
Calhanoglu’s positioning and energy were key. The Turk did not simply wait for the play to come to him, but was proactive in getting onto the ball.
After a tough opening ten or so minutes for Inter as a whole – which saw the Nerazzurri struggle to keep hold of possession amid relentless pressing from the away side – Calhanoglu found his rhythm.
Hakan Calhanoglu Becomes The “Total Midfielder” For Inter
A key facet of Calhanoglu’s game has been making himself a passing option for teammates.
This has meant that the 29-year-old often drifts around looking for space. He gravitates to where the action is and tries to unlock the match and find solutions.
This means that when Inter put together eye-catching passing moves as a team, Calhanoglu’s close control, dribbling, and passing are often at the heart of it.
The Turkish international is no longer a player who is constantly involved in decisive actions in the final third.
But he has found ways to use his technical skill deeper.
Calhanoglu has a vital role in manoeuvring the ball out of pressure. He is often the player who opposition sides identify to try and mark out of the game, and so this can potentially allow his teammates time and space elsewhere on the pitch.
And once Calhanoglu does get out of pressure, he has found his passing range better than ever.
The 29-year-old is seemingly always the player who sets Inter on the front foot.
