Former Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid striker Christian Vieri believes Lautaro Martinez exemplifies a modern centre-forward.
Speaking in the SportWeek insert of today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, Vieri praised the current Nerazzurri captain’s style of play.
Martinez is currently out with a muscle injury.
The 26-year-old should only be on the sidelines for a week or two with the injury.
But Inter will be well aware of what they are missing for as long as their captain is unavailable.
Naturally, Martinez’s goalscoring record is the first thing that catches the eye.
The Argentine international is currently leading the way in the Serie A goalscoring charts, with fifteen in total.
And Martinez has been Inter’s top scorer in each of the past two seasons.
But the Nerazzurri captain brings far more than just goals.
Martinez is also the player who sets the tone for the entire team’s performance with his adept linkup play and intense defensive workrate and pressing.
The Argentine seems to be a player who can get the best out of his teammates. Particularly his strike partner, something that Marcus Thuram has benefited from significantly this season.
Christian Vieri: Lautaro Martinez The Kind Of Player A Modern Striker Has To Be
Vieri said of Martinez that “Nowadays, that’s the kind of player a striker has to be.”
“He gives the team a hand. He provides assists. He acts as the first defender.”
“Today we need complete players like that,” he continued.
“Inter he has one and are holding onto him.”
Vieri also said of Martinez that “I’ve been surprised to see him grow so much. He was already doing special things last season.”
Vieri said that Martinez’s strong point is that “He’s always calm.”
“If he doesn’t score, he doesn’t go lose his head,” the former striker said.
“And when you’re altruistic, the goals find you.”
Vieri said of Martinez that “The fact that he’s the captain makes him more responsible.”
