Inter Milan star Hakan Calhanoglu explains why he considers himself the best deep-lying playmaker in world football at the moment.
The 30-year-old gradually morphed into a Regista under the tutelage of Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi.
His transformation is now complete.
Many consider the 30-year-old as the finest player in the world in his playing role, and the latter consents to the notion.
“Months ago, I said I was among the best Registas but no one believed in me,” said the Turkish star in his interview with DAZN via FcInterNews.
“However, I always believed in myself. I know my qualities and I’m not afraid of anyone.
The interviewer then asked the former Bayer Leverkusen star to list five Registas based on their quality.
Calhanoglu insisted on placing himself on top of the list, ahead of Man City star Rodri and Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos. He left Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez in fourth and fifth places respectively.
The Inter playmaker explains his reasoning while underlining his elusive capabilities.
“The others don’t do what I’m currently producing on the pitch. For instance, I never score from close range, but from 25-30 meters or through a free-kick. These are difficult things to pull off.
“They are good at managing the play, but I don’t like making five-meters passes. I always look for the killer pass which increases the possibility of scoring. Horizontal passing doesn’t help.”
Inter Milan Star Hakan Calhanoglu Explains Why He’s The Best Regista In The World
Nevertheless, Hakan Calhanoglu still sees weaknesses that he must improve in his game, highlighting the first half of the encounter between Roma and Inter Milan
“Now the opponents are trying to man-mark me, like in the first half in Roma. I was in a difficult situation.
“This is where I have to find more space and be more intelligent. But with Barella and Mkhitaryan helping me, we can always manage it.
“Then in the defensive phase, I’ve grown but I still have to improve, I analyze the videos with the staff and I still make mistakes.”
The Turkiye international admitted he wasn’t ready to interpret the Regista role during his time at AC Milan.
“At Milan, I wasn’t ready. But at Inter, it was a different story. I immediately said yes, because I wanted to test myself.
“When you’re at the right age it weighs on you less. The recent months have been very important for my journey.”
Calhanoglu then commented on his spectacular through ball to Federico Dimarco against Juventus.
“I will always look for this type of pass on the pitch. I like to verticalize straight away and play fast because we have players who run deep.
“I had already seen Dimash who ran before receiving the ball. My teammates know that these balls will arrive. Unfortunately, Marcus didn’t score but it was a good play.”
Calhanoglu Names Andrea Pirlo As His Idol
The Nerazzurri star hailed AC Milan and Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo whom he considers his idol.
“Prilo is my idol. I like how he played, especially his serenity. He didn’t feel the stress. He was the number one.
“My agent likened me to Pirlo but I didn’t believe him at first. I said I felt more like a number ten. But time proved he was right.
“But Pirlo is Pirlo, he has won a lot and I cannot be put on his level.”
Finally, Hakan revealed he turned down offers from the Saudi Pro League to remain at Inter.
“Yes, it’s true. I love Inter. When I arrived here, Ausilio, the coach and my teammates gave me a big hand. This is a huge family.
“I have already told the club that the decision is theirs but I want to stay here.
“At Inter, I felt reborn. I had a difficult period, but they lifted me up. I matured as a man.
“I am an emotional person, I was living in a difficult situation but everyone here helped me.
“Then the song that the fans dedicated to me gave me even more energy. This is why I say that for me Inter is different. I just can’t explain it.”
