7602 Days Later: A New Legend Emerges at Inter, Thuram's Electrifying Start Paves the Way for Derby Glory

When Marcus Thuram joined Inter Milan this summer, many skeptics were quick to cast doubt on the young forward. “He’s never been prolific,” they said. “He’s not a superstar,” they claimed. “He doesn’t fit the system,” others asserted. Some even went as far as to label him a "loser." Yet, after just three matches, Thuram has silenced these critics with a series of performances that have not only won over his teammates and coach but have also captivated the entire Inter fanbase.

In the recent victory over Cagliari, Thuram was awarded the highest rating by La Gazzetta dello Sport and was voted Man of the Match by fans on Inter's official website. Despite earning praise for his assist in that match, some still questioned whether it was enough to quell the critics. However, his display in the subsequent game, where he netted his first goal for Inter, provided another assist, and won a penalty, left even the harshest critics with little choice but to acknowledge his impact. His ability is now unquestioned; the only lingering concern is the ever-present risk of injury.

Thuram’s latest performance was not without its imperfections—he could have scored a hat-trick had he been more clinical. However, his contribution was more than enough to secure the trust of his teammates, to excite his coach, and to earn widespread acclaim on Italian social media. The reactions from the 72,000 fans at the San Siro were nothing short of deafening, as they roared their approval for their new hero.

His headed goal was a thing of beauty. The penalty he won and the assist that followed were masterclasses in forward play. Yet, what excites Inter the most about Thuram is not just his ability to earn MVP honors in two of his first three games, nor his impressive tally of three key contributions (one goal and two assists—four if you count the penalty won as an assist, as some statistical agencies do). What truly makes Thuram stand out is his quick decision-making, his incisive runs, and his playing style, which has filled a critical void in Inter’s tactical setup. His presence has significantly accelerated Inter's counter-attacks, reducing their vulnerability to high pressing—something that plagued them last season against the likes of Bayern Munich, Lazio, and even mid-to-lower table Serie A teams. In a sense, if Thuram can maintain his form and stay healthy, he has the potential to elevate Inter's overall performance, becoming a strategic weapon in their quest for silverware.

The excitement surrounding Thuram extends beyond Inter’s fanbase. On Western social media platforms, numerous AC Milan supporters lamented not signing Thuram, with some even cursing their club’s management for missing out on him. Commentator Altobelli pointed out that if this version of Thuram had been present in Istanbul a few months ago, the outcome for Inter in the Champions League final might have been different. The OPTA statistical agency highlighted a significant number: 7,602. It’s been 7,602 days since Thuram’s father, Lilian Thuram, scored the final goal of his Serie A career. Now, 7,602 days later, the Thuram name has found its way back onto the Serie A scoresheet. This is more than just a statistical coincidence; it’s a classic tale of legacy and continuity.

This narrative of “the son following in the father’s footsteps” isn’t unique to Thuram at Inter. There’s also Simone Inzaghi, who has long lived in the shadow of his older brother, Filippo Inzaghi, the legendary AC Milan striker. For years, Simone was often referred to as “the brother of the legendary forward.” But after leading Inter to the Champions League final, matching Serie A’s best performance in the competition in 12 years, Simone has started to step out of his brother’s shadow. Today, when you search for “Inzaghi” online or on social media, Simone’s name appears more frequently, with some younger fans even referring to Filippo as “the brother of that excellent coach.” This transformation is a testament to Simone’s hard work and dedication, and it serves as an inspiration for players like Thuram.

Given this backdrop, it’s no surprise that Thuram is even more motivated. Currently, when people mention him, they often still describe him as “the son of the legendary defender.” But one day, if he continues to perform at this level, it’s possible that an entire generation of fans will think of Marcus first when they hear the name “Thuram,” and only later remember Lilian as “the father of that brilliant forward.” This is a legacy worth striving for, isn’t it?

With the victory over Fiorentina behind them, Inter’s attention has already turned to the upcoming Milan Derby. As you know, 7,602 days ago, Lilian Thuram’s final Serie A goal came against AC Milan. This means that as Marcus Thuram continues to integrate into the team, he also finds himself receiving the perfect psychological boost ahead of the Derby—a game that could further cement his status as Inter's new idol.