Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has earned comparisons to legends like Andrea Pirlo, Luka Modric, and Xabi Alonso.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Corriere della Sera, via FCInter1908, suggest that the Turkish international has entered a truly rarefied level with his performances this season.

Against Juventus on Sunday, Calhanoglu showed the full range of his abilities.

The 29-year-old former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen man used his full range of skills against Juventus.

Making passes to both dictate the tempo of the match and set Inter on numerous dangerous attacks.

The Turk’s first touch, dribbling ability, and deft ability to play in tight spaces were also evident in how he constantly evaded Bianconeri pressure.

Calhanoglu was also certainly no slouch defensively.

The 29-year-old stuck to his task with great stamina and determination out of possession. There were even a couple important clearances from his own penalty area from Calhanoglu.

Calhanoglu Compared To Pirlo, Modric & Alonso

Calhanoglu has been easily one of Inter’s outstanding players all season long.

From his faultless penalty-taking, the long-range shots, to his last-ditch defensive interventions and everything in between, the Turkish international is truly Inter’s heartbeat.

And in the view of the Corriere della Sera, Calhanoglu is playing at the same level as several recent greats of the game.

Like Calhanoglu, Andrea Pirlo played for both AC Milan and Inter in his career.

Whilst the Turk moved from the Rossoneri to the Nerazzurri, it was the other way around for the Italian.

But both made the same path on the pitch, from attacking midfield to the regista role.

And it is no longer ridiculous to make comparisons between the two, the Corriere della Sera contend.

The same is true of Ballon D’Or winning Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, the newspaper argues.

And the same with legendary former Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich man Xabi Alonso.

Interestingly, the Spaniard currently coaches Calhanoglu’s former club, Bayer Leverkusen.