Inter Milan have been giving clear indications of an impressive new-look midfield in their preseason friendlies
This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who pose the question of “Who needs Marcelo Brozovic?” as the Nerazzurri look to have started to cope well in the Croat’s absence.
In recent seasons, Brozovic has been a key player in the centre of the pitch for Inter.
The 30-year-old has been the man who keeps the Nerazzurri’s possession game ticking over.
However, last season something changed in the dynamics of Inter’s midfield. Two lengthy muscle injuries for Brozovic meant that the team had to find other solutions.
Hakan Calhanoglu moved into the Croat’s customary regista position.
And whilst this may have initially looked like nothing more than an emergency measure, the former AC Milan midfielder acquitted himself very well playing in the role.
This seemed to herald a shift in Iner’s style of play.
Compared to Brozovic, Calhanoglu brought a greater directness to Inter’s possession.
Whilst this had mixed results in Serie A, in the Champions League it saw the Nerazuzrri reach the final.
This summer, Inter sold Brozovic to Al-Nassr.
And with Calhanoglu already in place as the Croat’s successor at the base of the trio, they’ve focused on a different kind of rebuild.
Frattesi At The Heart Of Inter Milan Midfield Rebuild
Inter’s marquee arrival in midfield has been Italian international midfielder Davide Frattesi.
The Nerazzurri brought the 23-year-old in from Sassuolo.
And if the preseason friendlies are any evidence to go by, Frattesi has wasted no time in settling in.
The ex-Neroverdi man was one of Inter’s outstanding players in friendlies against Al-Nassr and Paris Saint-Germain. He scored against the former, and assisted both of his team’s goals against the latter.
What Frattesi brings to Inter in central areas is an unceasing directness.
The Azzurri star covers plenty of ground, and has a great appetite for getting forward.
With Frattesi on one side of the pitch and Nicolo Barella on the other, Inter can call on a midfield with an enormous amount of energy and drive.
Moreover, Inter aren’t finished. Barring major late surprises, Lazar Samardzic will also sign from Udinese.
The trend in midfield looks to be clear for the Nerazzuri. They’re focusing on young midfielders with a direct style of play.
Getting the balance right won’t be something that happens overnight.
But in the view of the Gazzetta, the indications in preseason are that there is a basis for the club’s plans to bear fruit.
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