Former Inter Milan and Lazio striker Julio Cruz believes that current Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez is one of the five best players in the world.

The Argentine former striker praised his countryman in an interview with Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews.

Martinez has been enjoying a blistering start to the season.

The 26-year-old has responded to the fact that he became Inter captain during the summer by scoring fourteen goals across all competitions so far. Twelve of those came in Serie A.

That follows Martinez having been Inter’s top scorer in each of the two previous seasons.

And the Argentine brings a lot more than just his goals.

Martinez’s linkup play and defensive workrate have been aspects which set the tone for how Inter play.

The Argentine reached the Champions League final with the Nerazzurri last campaign.

And he also won the World Cup with Argentine last December.

Martinez finished twentieth in Ballon D’Or voting. But given how the 26-year-old has begun the current campaign, there is a certain sense that he is only getting started.

Julio Cruz: Lautaro Martinez One Of Five Best Players In The World

Former Inter striker Cruz gave his views on Inter’s current strikers.

He began by talking about Marcus Thuram. “Since he’s been in Milan, he’s impressed me more and more every day,” he said of the Frenchman.

“He scores big goals,” the Argentine noted of Thuram,

“Look at the goal that he scored in the derby for example.”

Cruz continued of Thuram that “He plays for his teammates. He’s a modern centre-forward, perfect alongside Lautaro.”

The Argentine noted that “The two of them are developing an excellent understanding. Including on a personal level.”

“All of this is fundamental for a team,” he suggested.

“Well done Marcus, it’s never easy make an impact at a top club like he did.”

“As for Toro,” Cruz went on. “I would say that he could be considered among the five best players in the world.”

“He’s grown significantly in the last few years,” the Argentine said of his countryman. “And he scores regularly.”

“I hope for something in particular – that he can go on to win the Golden Boot.”

“For a striker like him, that would be immensely satisfying,” he said of Inter captain Martinez.