Lautaro Martinez has become a captain first and a striker second for Inter Milan.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Martinez will now be used to wearing the armband for Inter.
The 26-year-old inherited the captaincy from Samir Handanovic during the summer after the Slovenian left Inter.
And Martinez has certainly looked comfortable with his new role.
The Argentine has taken on the role of captain for his leadership and loyalty as much as because of his quality on the pitch.
And Martinez was Inter’s captain yet again against Atalanta yesterday. And he showed both the leadership and quality to help power the Nerazzurri to an important win.
Lautaro Martinez “Captain First, Striker Second” Vs Atalanta
First, there is Martinez as a striker.
The Argentine has been showing just how lethal in front of goal he can be all season.
Yesterday’s strike against Atalanta took Martinez’s total to twelve in Serie A, and thirteen in all competitions.
Naturally some of these goals have been simple finishes or easy headers. But yesterday’s goal against Atalanta certainly wasn’t.
Like his stunning strike against Bologna, Martinez showed the absolute best of his finishing technique to control the ball and curl it in from the corner of the penalty area.
And it wasn’t just a goal from Martinez.
The Argentine has increasingly looked like a complete striker for Inter. His first touch has become a potent weapon in intricate passing combinations.
And then there is Martinez physical, battling quality.
The 26-year-old may not be the tallest, fastest, or most imposing of centre-forwards. But he has learned to use his body to hold off defenders, win fouls, and press to force mistakes.
For the Gazzetta, it is this last quality that dovetails with Martinez’s leadership.
The 26-year-old is the opposite of a luxury player. He is the beating heart of Inter.
Martinez leads from the front and sets the tone.
