Former Inter goalkeeper Walter Zenga praised the performance of Hakan Calhanoglu in the 3-0 win over Sampdoria, and looked forward to the return of fellow midfielder Marcelo Brozovic from injury.
Calhanoglu laid on an assist for Stefan De Vrij and impressed as the Nerazzurri were comfortable winners at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Serie A yesterday, with the Turkey international’s display catching the eye of Inter icon Zenga.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Di Lui, as reported by FCInterNews.it, Zenga offered his thoughts on Inter’s win and singled out Calhanoglu as being the best player, despite Nicolo Barella earning plaudits for a wonderful goal from a pinpoint Alessandro Bastoni pass.
“Alessandro Bastoni’s extraordinary pass and Nicolo Barella’s fantastic control, stop and shot,” Zenga said of Inter’s second goal of the night.
“It was a fantastic move that absolutely deserved the goal and was reward for these two guys who are doing very well, as well as Federico Dimarco.
“For me the best was Hakan Calhanoglu though, he had a difficult task in replacing Marcelo Brozovic.”
The ex-Italy international goalkeeper was impressed with the tactical nous shown by coach Simone Inzaghi to utilise Calhanoglu in that role, and revealed how the switch had opened up the midfield in Inter’s favour.
“Simone Inzaghi ‘s skill was using Calhanoglu in front of the defence and Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan with more movement,” Zenga continued.
“This allows Barella to fit in better, with more attention and depth. The Armenian’s ability to give balance and support to the team is evident.”
Despite Calhanoglu’s impressive display, Zenga was looking forward to Brozovic making his comeback and felt that the Croatian could add another level to Inter’s play.
“When Brozovic returns, Simone Inzaghi will have new problems, but good ones because he will be able to rotate the midfielders with greater continuity, relying on a flexible and intelligent player like Mkhitaryan,” he concluded.
