Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard has come in for lavish praise for his performance on both sides of the ball against Juventus.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, hail the “monumental” display by the Frenchman.
When Pavard joined Inter during last summer transfer window, the price tag that the Nerazzurri paid raised one or two eyebrows.
Inter forked over close to €40 million to sign the 27-year-old from Bayern Munich.
On paper, that doesn’t seem like that much for a regular starter for the German champions, who had won the World Cup with France in 2018.
But the fact that Pavard was out of contract with Bayern at the end of this season was a factor.
As was the fact that Inter are a club with well-known financial restrictions. Spending big is not something the Nerazzurri can do often, and so they have to invest wisely.
But based on last night’s evidence, that is just what they did by signing Pavard.
Benjamin Pavard “Monumental” Vs Juventus
Inter signed Pavard to replace a real defensive totem in the form of Milan Skriniar, who left to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
The Nerazzurri decided to go all-in for their priority target in the role.
And for much of this season, Pavard has been vindicating this decision. The 27-year-old has hardly looked a downgrade on Skriniar in terms of his defensive performances.
Yesterday’s display against Juventus was yet more evidence of that.
Pavard was close to faultless in his marking of Bianconeri starlet Kenan Yildiz. The Turkish international barely featured for much of his time on the pitch.
And if Juventus coach Max Allegri had had hoped that the introduction of the more experienced Federico Chiesa would change the situation, Pavard had other ideas.
The Inter defender’s marking of Chiesa was once again watertight.
Pavard’s pace and man-marking made it all but impossible for the EURO 2020 winner to build up a head of steam and create anything dangerous for the Bianconeri.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, Pavard proved to be decisive.
It was the Frenchman’s audacious attempt at a bicycle kick that put the ball in a position for Juventus defender Federico Gatti to bundle it into his own net for what proved to be the decisive goal.
In attack, Pavard has been an upgrade on Skriniar. The former Lille and Stuttgart man has utilized his speed, technical ability, and experience as a full-back well.
That has given Inter an extra attacking edge.
Therefore, the Gazzetta argues, there is little doubt. Inter got the right man to replace Skriniar.
And Pavard proved it on the most important of stages yesterday.
