Inter's Pre-Season Insights: What Do They Really Need?
Inter returns from Australia with renewed confidence and a clearer sense of their needs ahead of the new season. Key players are back, but the team still seeks a right winger and possibly a central midfielder to enhance their depth.
With just two weeks to go before the start of the season, Inter has returned from Australia with a decidedly optimistic outlook. Coach Chivu's squad has shown renewed vigor during their down under tour, marked by notable performances, surprises, and emerging talents. Among the standout players was Dimarco, who made a significant impact, along with the promising Bovio. Furthermore, Diouf could become an essential asset off the bench, while Stankovic should not be overlooked. Overall, the summer tour has demonstrated that the team is moving in the right direction on the pitch.
Back in Italy, the team is set to welcome back Lautaro, Thuram, Stones, Akanji, and Sucic. These five players have already begun training at Pinetina, aiming to get match-ready as soon as possible to contribute to the team's efforts. However, there are still gaps that need addressing. What exactly is missing? Definitely a right winger, and possibly a central midfielder. While Pavard is a solid option in defense, the situation differs in other positions. The right side of the field is particularly lacking in depth. Although Diouf has shown positive signs, he possesses specific characteristics that do not make him a reliable starter. He can serve as a good substitute, especially when the team needs to push for a comeback or unlock a match, but relying on him from the outset in crucial Serie A and Champions League fixtures is not feasible.
The Inter management faces some critical decisions, with no constraints from Oaktree to hinder them. Currently, the two most talked-about names are Djed Spence and Moussa Diaby. Spence is more of a full-back, while Diaby leans towards being a winger. This presents a contrast in player profiles for the same position within the team. Logically, Inter should consider Spence, who complements Diouf better than his compatriot at Al-Ittihad. Though he may lack Dumfries' aerial abilities, Spence's physicality and attacking depth, combined with a solid defensive aptitude, could prove invaluable for Inter.
The conversation around Curtis Jones is a different matter. While the need for a midfielder is clear, especially with the surplus of players like Frattesi and Asllani, is it wise to invest over 30 million in a position that already features rising talents like Sucic and Stankovic, alongside established starters like Barella, Zielinski, and Calhanoglu? If that budget is indeed available without player sales, wouldn’t it make more sense to allocate it towards Spence or a similar player, and then assess midfield opportunities? Additionally, acquiring a seventh midfielder could be beneficial, given Calhanoglu's recent injury history and Mkhitaryan's advancing age. However, this should not be the primary focus in the current transfer window. Prioritizing effectively is likely crucial for Inter to start the season with a significant advantage over their rivals.
