Luis Alberto and Hakan Calhanoglu are two perfect examples of players who Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has “transformed” tactically.
Today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, laud the 47-year-old’s work in developing two of Serie A’s outstanding midfielders.
A real mark of a coach’s ability is how individual players grow and develop playing under them.
Inzaghi certainly showed his ability to shape players’ career trajectory whilst Lazio coach.
The former striker started out in the youth team, bringing several players into the senior squad where they would gain a starting place.
But in the view of Tuttosport, Inzaghi’s most impressive work came with midfielder Alberto.
The former Liverpool man had been somewhat listless as he struggled to really cement a place in attacking midfield, striker, or winger positions.
Inzaghi started out by playing Alberto in an attacking duo. Subsequently, the Spaniard did quite well playing there.
But the coach saw even greater things for Alberto.
Inzaghi moved the Spaniard deeper and deeper into midfield. There, the Lazio start would have more and more of an influence on matches.
Inzaghi was the coach who saw Alberto’s characteristics and believed that they could be useful in a deeper midfield role before anyone else did.
Luis Alberto & Hakan Calhanoglu Two Tactical Transformations Under Inzaghi
If anything, Inzaghi has outdone himself with how he’s “transformed” Calhanoglu.
The Turk had already started to change his style and position across four seasons at AC Milan.
Calhanoglu had arrived in Serie A as an attacking midfielder or winger. He gradually became more of a box-to-box midfielder with the Rossoneri.
And that was the position that Inter signed Calhanoglu to play.
But in the eyes of Inzaghi, there was potential for something more.
The 47-year-old has moved Calhanoglu into the regista role over the past couple seasons.
And since that move, the former Bayer Leverkusen man has truly played his best football.
