Ex Inter Milan and Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey believes that Hakan Calhanoglu is one of the best holding midfielers in Europe.

The Swiss spoke to Italian broadcaster TVPlay, via FCInterNews, praising the 29-year-old’s development for Inter. He also gave his thoughts on the possibility of Juventus challenging Inter for the title.

This season, Calhanoglu has been one of Inter’s outstanding performers by far.

The Turkish former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen man came into the campaign more at the centre of the Nerazzurri’s project than in either of his prior two seasons at the club.

Last season Calhanoglu transitioned from a box-to-box role into more of a holding midfield position.

And the 29-year-old has looked very comfortable playing at the base of the central trio.

There, Calhanoglu has dictated play with his technical ability and range of passing.

The Turk’s very aggressive and proactive style of passing has suited Inter’s style of play under Simone Inzaghi to the ground.

And defensively, this season has seen even further Calhanoglu. Already last campaign, the Turkish international was looking more and more like a presence in front of the backline.

And now that is certainly the case.

Calhanoglu has shown both defensive awareness out of possession, and real physicality in his tackling.

Sebastien Frey Praises Hakan Calhanoglu As One Of The Best Midfielders In Europe

“In my opinion, Calhanoglu is one of the best players in his role in Europe,” Frey said.

“He’s brilliant in both the attacking and defensive phases,” he went on.

“I see evolution and maturity from him,” the Swiss former keeper went on.

“Extraordinary game management.”

“He’s always had quality,” Frey noted. “And now I think he’s one of the best in the world in his position.”

And as far as Juventus being in the Serie A title race, Frey said that “They’ll be a nuisance in the Scudetto race.”

“They’re used to winning and playing for the top places in the table,” he noted.

“Inter have a deeper squad,” Frey argued. “And if the Bianconeri don’t strengthen, they’ll struggle.”

“But there’s defensive solidity to them and they’re always there lurking in the background.”

“I don’t think they’ll win the Scudetto but I think they’ll fight for it, and they’ll be a thorn in the side of Inter and Milan,” he added.