Turkey coach feels that Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is an “extraordinary” player for what he adds to the team.
Speaking to reporters after Turkey’s friendly against Hungary, via FCInterNews, the coach said that he “doesn’t understand” how Calhanoglu receives criticism for his performances.
Calhanoglu is a player who has a key role for both his club and national team.
The Turkish international has cemented himself at the base of Inter’s midfield.
In and out of possession, Calhanoglu is the player who sets the tone for the Nerazzurri.
And for his national team, the Inter midfielder is also one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Calhanoglu has captained Turkey since the retirement of former captain Burak Yilmiz from international football.
Turkey Coach Montella Full Of Praise For Inter Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu
Calhanoglu doesn’t just wear the armband for Turkey.
He is also one of the team’s main men in terms of his role on the pitch.
Calhanoglu doesn’t play in quite the same position on the pitch that he does for Inter.
For the Nerazzurri, Calhanoglu is very much a deep-lying midfielder. He plays in the deepest role in the central trio.
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen tends to take up a more advanced position, playing alongside a defensively-minded player.
But wherever he plays on the pitch, Calhanoglu always proves to be a highly influential figure for his team.
Turkey coach Montella said that “We all know that Hakan is a very mature footballer.”
The coach continued that “He knows very well when there’s a need to speed up or slow down the game.”
“I can say that, if there’s any criticism of Hakan, I don’t understand it,” Montella declared.
“Because we’re talking about a truly extraordinary player,” the Turkey coach added of his captain.
