In the early hours of this morning, I watched less than half of the European Cup 1/8 finals between France and Belgium, and closed my eyes for a while in the middle because of my sore eyes, but when I woke up again, it was already time for the alarm clock to ring in the morning. I thought it would be a strong conversation, but who knew that the game process was really boring and drowsy.
But even so, I tried to watch the game as carefully as possible, mainly to see how Thuram Jr. performed. In the first half, although it was clear that Thuram was working the field, the results in the end were very mediocre, and if you look at the post-match statistics, this is even more proven.
Thuram appeared in the central striker position of the 433 formation during the game, although he was not fixed in this position all the time, but often switched positions with Antoine Griezmann and Mbappe on either side, but mainly played in the middle. In 62 minutes of playing time, Thuram made six of eight passes, with a pass completion rate of 75%; All four shots were off target, and one great scoring opportunity was missed. Only one of the four ground scrambles was won, three of the four aerial duels were successful, and one was a successful dribble.
It is worth noting that Thuram's three successful aerial duels were all headers, but all of them failed. In the 17th minute, Antoine Griezmann took a corner kick, and Thuram fought for the top in front, but the ball he headed out did not go in the direction of the goal at all, more like a clearance.
In the 33rd minute, Kounde crossed the ball from the right, and Thuram jumped in the middle to press the opposing defender to grab the goal. It was a great opportunity from a great position, but in the end Thuram's header grazed the right post and it was the statistically missed chance to score.
In the 50th minute, it was again Kounde's cross from the right, and Thuram headed it in on the run, which ended up flying over the crossbar and out of bounds. It was his last shot on the pitch and he was substituted after 10 minutes.
Headers are a common offensive tool used by centre-forwards, but they are also lacking in Thuram. In the official post-match ratings, Thuram was the lowest scorer among the starters. However, the main reason is that because of his position, Thuram cannot play the role of a center forward well in terms of skill and ability, and last season at Inter Milan was the first season in his career when he changed from a winger to a main center forward, but he played a double striker in the 352 system.
Looking at the three European Championship games that Thuram has played, the best one was the first group stage win over Austria, when he played as a left winger in the 4231 match. Thuram also played well in the second round draw with the Netherlands, playing as a double striker with Antoine Griezmann in this game, and the tactical effect was also good. Only this one played as a center forward in the 433 formation, which made him unable to play his skills.
In fact, this is not just a personality problem of Thuram, but a common problem that includes Bastoni, Dimarco, Darmian and other Italian legionnaires and Inter captain Lautaro, that is, it is very suitable for the 352 system, but it is difficult to really play in the mainstream lineup system of four backs and single strikers such as 4231 and 433 in today's football. In Italy's current European Championship, a number of Inter players did not play well because they could not adapt well to the 433 formation, of course, the problem should be pointed out is that Spalletti did not teach according to his aptitude, but put a number of players who are better at the 352 formation into his technical and tactical system.
In addition, Lautaro has also gradually achieved his current status in football thanks to the two-striker style of play, whether it is Lukaku, Dzeko or Thuram, Lautaro can achieve each other. In the Argentine national team, Lautaro can also play a similar two-striker cooperation with Alvarez, Messi and others. But if Lautaro is allowed to play as a single striker, his performance will definitely not be as brilliant as it is now!
It is precisely because many Inter players cannot adapt to the mainstream lineup of international football that their attractiveness in the transfer market is also average, and they are basically in a state of price and no market. And players like Barella, Calhanoglu, Dumfries and other players who can be compatible with the back three and four are much more popular.
After being eliminated from the group stage of the European Championships, Zielinski took a few days off before devoting himself to recovery training. Under the training pictures posted by his trainers, the label Inter was branded. Although Inter has not yet made an official announcement, the signing is still very exciting.
Although the new season Inter midfielder will have Sensi, Klaassen and Agume leave, but only add Zielinski, but the team's midfield strength has not declined due to the decrease in the number of people, but even increased! You know, there has always been a saying in international football: those who win the midfielder win the world. Therefore, ensuring the strength of the team's midfield is of great significance for the new season to defend the league title and the Champions League!
Taremi, another strong reinforcement, has already arrived in Milan and started to learn Italian after renting a house to ensure that he can better communicate with his teammates and integrate into the team faster. At the same time, he will also enter the team's summer training camp for the first time on July 13, practice with the team earlier, and understand Inzaghi's technical and tactical play, so that he can show his best in the new season. In addition, goalkeeper Martinez's medical examination will be postponed, but the deal has basically been finalized, only the youth compensation part is still being discussed, and it is only one step away from signing.
In this case, Inter sporting director Osilio was asked if the team had closed the summer transfer window, he said: "Between now and the end of the summer window, you never know if there will be surprises, but the truth is that we have two players in each position, we have a full squad and there are not many opportunities to adjust.
Osiglio's words are very clear, the team is currently full, there is no room for adjustment, and it is normal that only when someone leaves, he will be replaced. Regarding the much-requested sale of Arnautovic to strengthen the striker, Osilio said directly: "We have never pushed Arnautovic into the transfer market, we are happy with his contribution, in addition to the performance of the players, I appreciate Arnautovic's contribution to the team in the dressing room, for example, his help to Thuram.
Inter president Marotta also dismissed the rumours of a team with Gudmundsson: "He is a player we admire, but we have a good forward pitch at the moment and the negotiations with Genoa are only about Martinez.
This also basically determines that Inter will not take the initiative to sell Arnau to strengthen the striker, but it is not ruled out that Saudi Arabia and Turkish teams are willing to send high-salary invitations, and it will depend on Arnau's own decision at that time! As for the hidden danger of dragging the central defender position, although Inter Milan introduced the 18-year-old young player Perez, but should not pin all their hopes on this young player, if it is assessed that his ability cannot meet the requirements of the first team, then Inter may re-focus on the transfer market, seeking reinforcement opportunities, such as rumors that Inter Milan intends to waive the 35-year-old German defender Hummels.
Of course, not only Hummels, the players on the free market are currently on the list of Marotta and Osilio, as long as they can be won after evaluation, then Inter will not let go of such a good opportunity!