Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has handed star midfielder Nicolo Barella a new role in his midfield setup.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, Chivu has turned the diminutive ace into an elite playmaker.
Nicolo Barella has been a crucial component of Inter’s midfield since joining the club from Cagliari in the summer of 2019.
Indeed, known for his energy and dynamism, the 28-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s best midfielders.
However, Cristian Chivu has redefined Barella’s role this season.
How Cristian Chivu Has Transformed Nicolo Barella Into Elite Playmaker
Barella has built a name for himself as a box-to-box midfielder.
Indeed, that has been his favorite position at San Siro and the Italy national team.
However, Hakan Calhanoglu’s repeated injury problems have forced the former Cagliari ace to adapt to a new role.
Furthermore, Chivu has chosen Barella to fill in for the Turk as the deep-lying playmaker.
Chivu couldn’t count on Calhanoglu in Saturday’s clash against Cremonese. Therefore, Barella filled the 31-year-old’s shoes and excelled.
Leveraging his technical skills and vision, Barella dictated the tempo and orchestrated play from deeper areas
And he did it to perfection.
Sell Hakan on summer and put Barella at his place, with him we are much more secure in defense.
Looks like everybody forgets that he mastered this position already before Inter, where in Cagliari he was playing that position all the time and was marvelous.
Fully agree, For me he was MOTM.
Maybe regista will be his position in not so distant future. He clearly has the passing range, vision and grinta to play there.