The “cultured left foot” of defender Alessandro Bastoni has become a “not-so-secret weapon” for Inter Milan.
The 24-year-old’s creative ability is highlighted in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Bastoni has always been a defender with a reputation for having excellent technical ability and passing range.
Since he broke into the Inter first team, the Italian international has heavily participated in the team’s buildup.
The back three system has allowed Bastoni to do so with aplomb. Playing on the left of the defensive line, he is encouraged to find space to run into in the channel, or look for an ambitious pass.
But at least at first, Bastoni’s importance was more earlier on in the buildup phase.
The former Parma and Atalanta defender largely used his “cultured left foot” to break teams down from the defensive position.
Alessandro Bastoni A Not-So-Secret Weapon For Inter Milan
But under Simone Inzaghi, Bastoni has had the license to move further and further up the pitch.
At times, the 24-year-old has played almost like an attacking winger.
Bastoni has had the license to run as far as the byline, either on the wing or in the channel. There, he has been able to wreak havoc by creating overloads to cutting the ball into the penalty area.
But perhaps the most dangerous position Bastoni has found is right at the corner of the area.
There, the Italian’s impressive crossing ability can be made full use of.
Bastoni showed this with his assist for Yann Bisseck against Bologna. The 24-year-old may be a centre-back, but his cross could have come from the most creative of wingers or midfielders.
And Bisseck is only the latest Inter player to benefit from Bastoni’s crossing.
The Italian’s telepathic relationship with his Azzurri teammate Nicolo Barella is well-known. But he has also assisted the likes of Milan Skriniar, Denzel Dumfries, and Matteo Darmian.
