Ex Everton Star Brings Quality On The Ball In Full Debut For Inter Milan – But Lacking Pace & Defensive Workrate

Midfielder Davy Klaassen brought quality on the ball in his full debut for Inter Milan, but lacked pace and defensive workrate.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Klaassen had already made his first ever appearance in an Inter shirt against Sassuolo on Wednesday.

But that was a second half cameo appearance in difficult circumstances.

The real test was always likely to come in the Dutchman’s first start.

And that came sooner than some may have expected.

With Davide Frattesi and Stefano Sensi out with injuries and Henrikh Mkhitaryan needing a rest, Klaassen was in the starting eleven for yesterday evening’s Serie A clash away to Salernitana.

The 30-year-old had the chance to show what he’s about from the first whistle.

And in the view of the Corriere, it was a very clear demonstration of both the strengths and weaknesses that the former Ajax, Everton, and Werder Bremen man brings to the midfield battle.

Technical Quality On Show From Davy Klaassen In Inter Debut – But Also Defensive Weaknesses

There was little doubt that Klaassen was up to the standard of Inter’s midfield trio in terms of his quality on the ball.

The Nerazzurri signed the Dutchman on deadline day of the transfer window to provide a depth option with the experience and technical quality to participate in the team’s possession game.

And that is exactly what Klaassen proved to be.

Particularly in the early stages at the Stadio Arechi, the 30-year-old was getting on the ball plenty.

Klaassen effectively helped circulate the ball around. The midfielder’s first touch, passing range, and tactical awareness ensured that possession moved swiftly as Inter enjoyed a high-tempo start to the match.

And when Klaassen got into the final third, he also showed his quality.

A couple of excellent controls helped Inter get into the penalty area.

But it was on the other side of the ball that Klaassen struggled.

The Dutchman proved to be far too easy for Salernitana to bypass in the defensive phase. This meant that Inter conceded some dangerous counterattacks, and never really had full control in midfield.

The introduction of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, by contrast, proved to rectify these issues.