Legendary former AC Milan coach Fabio Capello feels that Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu is in the upper echelon of midfielders in the world right now.

Capello spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in yesterday’s print edition, via FCInterNews. He was full of praise for the Turkish international.

When Calhanoglu arrived at Inter in the summer of 2021, there was no denying the Turk’s talent.

However, where there were some doubts as to whether the former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen would ever truly make the best of his technical quality.

Those doubts no longer exist.

Last season, Calhanoglu was named as the best midfielder in Serie A.

This was not much of a surprise considering that the 30-year-old had played a pivotal role in Inter winning the title in dominant fashion.

This was the culmination of three season’s of steady and continuous growth for Calhanoglu at Inter.

Capello: “Hakan Calhanoglu One Of The Best Midfielders In The World”

Asked who he considers to be Inter’s key player, Capello named “Hakan Calhanoglu.”

“He’s the conductor of the orchestra,” the former coach said of Calhanoglu.

“Someone you can trust with the ball with peace of mind, without him ever giving it away cheaply.”

Capello said that “In his role of regista, he’s among the top three players in the world.”

As far as how he’d rank holding midfielders in world football, Capello said that at the top is “Rodri from Manchester City, who had a great Euros with Spain.”

“And maybe Decland Rice. The starter for England who reached the final.”

“Along with Calhanoglu, I’d also have to give a special mention to Barella,” Capello added.

Meanwhile, Capello also gave his thoughts on the arrival of Piotr Zielinski at Inter.

“We’re talking about another top player,” he said of the Polish international. “He can also start without problems.”

Capello predicted that “Inzaghi will have no problems when he’s choosing between he and Mkhitaryan.”

“Particularly since we’re talking about to very physically robust players who virtually never get injured.”