Legendary striker Jose Altafini compares Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez to former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.

This season, the Argentine has cemented himself as one of the deadliest strikers in Europe. He currently leads the Serie A scoring charts with 15 goals from 16 appearances.

The 26-year-old endured a rough Wednesday night that saw him miss a spot-kick against Bologna in the Coppa Italia Round of 16. The Nerazzurri were eliminated from the tournament following a late comeback from the Emilans in extra time.

Yet, this is only a minor blemish in what has thus far been a splendid campaign for the 2022 World Cup winner.

For his part, Altafini praises the Nerazzurri captain for his composure and willingness to put himself at the team’s disposal.

The former AC Milan and Juventus striker likens Martinez to former Everton and Man Utd star Wayne Rooney.

“Do I see myself in Lautaro? I see him more of an English Rooney,” said the 85-year-old in his interview with Betway via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“Martinez is a great opportunist and one of the strongest players around today. He is never absent from a match.

“He participates in the maneuver and helps the team often. This is what I love about him.”

Jose Altafini Compares Inter Milan Star Lautaro Martinez To Wayne Rooney

Altafini was a well-rounded Italo-Brazilian striker who spent 18 years in Italian football. He had memorable spells at AC Milan, Napoli and Juventus.

As for Lautaro, he acted as a second striker alongside Romelu Lukaku and Edin Dzeko during the past four years.

But since the start of the season, he has been playing closer to the goal while forming a rapidly flourishing partnership with the dynamic Marcus Thuram.