Dragon Tail Flick! Inter Milan's Crafted Skill Shines for French Striker Amidst Midfielder Pursued by Bayern

In a match that ended in a goalless draw between France and the Netherlands, French media outlet L'Equipe hailed Mike Maignan as France's best player with an impressive rating of 8. On the other side, Stefan de Vrij was recognized as the standout for the Netherlands with a rating of 7. The performance of Marcus Thuram and Ousmane Dembélé, both previously criticized with a rating of 4, diverged significantly. Dembélé's rating dropped to 3, while Thuram's improved to 5. This acknowledgment by a respected French publication reflects Thuram's upward trajectory in form, impact, and performance.

In the clash against the Netherlands, Thuram, playing as the lead striker, faced immense challenges. Surrounded by defenders, he struggled to get meaningful possession, rarely finding opportunities to face the goal rather than playing with his back to it. During his 75 minutes on the pitch, Thuram touched the ball only 22 times, averaging just one touch every three minutes. His passing was equally sparse, with only nine successful passes, averaging one every eight minutes. However, his defensive contributions stood out, with six successful duels, two tackles, and one clearance in his own penalty area. As the Shaanxi dialect says, Thuram was a true "laborer" for the French team.

If Thuram had been the same player he was one or two years ago in the Bundesliga, he might have struggled with this back-to-goal style of play. Despite his long-held belief that "I'm a striker, not a winger," his ability to handle this type of play was limited. However, under Simone Inzaghi's subtle adjustments at Inter Milan, Thuram and Lautaro Martínez have been transformed. Thuram has increasingly played as the frontman, holding up play and creating opportunities, while Martínez has dropped deeper to orchestrate the play. This transition, though initially challenging, has made both players more versatile and effective, a change that Thuram showcased in the Euro 2024 match.

Thuram's most notable contributions in the match were his two clever backheel flicks, dubbed "Dragon Tail Flicks." In the 14th minute, he received the ball near the edge of the penalty area, with Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk closing in with NBA-level defensive pressure. Realizing he couldn't turn and attack, Thuram cleverly flicked the ball with his heel, creating a clear chance for his teammates. Unfortunately, France failed to capitalize. Again, in the 65th minute, Thuram executed a similar flick, setting up Dembélé for another golden opportunity, which Antoine Griezmann also failed to convert. According to OPTA, France had only two "Big Chances" in the match, both originating from Thuram's skillful play.

After the previous match, L'Equipe had harshly criticized Thuram, and coach Didier Deschamps defended him, pointing out his significant contribution to the team. Many critics questioned Thuram's role as a forward, arguing that forwards should be evaluated on their attacking contributions, not just their defensive efforts. However, in this match, Thuram proved his value in both defense and attack.

In major tournaments, defense often outweighs offense. A forward who excels in defensive duties can still be rated highly, even if their offensive output is limited. If they also manage to contribute offensively, they deserve even greater praise. As Sky Sports aptly noted, Thuram's development at Inter Milan has made him a more complete player, capable of thriving in different roles. This transformation has also been evident in players like Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who has become a hot commodity in the transfer market, with Bayern Munich reportedly offering a lucrative contract.

Çalhanoğlu's rumored move to Bayern Munich has sparked significant interest. Despite denials from Di Marzio and Biasin, the reports from credible sources like Germany's Bild and Turkey's TRT Sports' Gilkayak cannot be dismissed lightly. Inter Milan might consider a substantial offer for Çalhanoğlu, reflecting his remarkable development over the past few years. Three years ago, when Çalhanoğlu's contract expired, few top European clubs were willing to meet his demands for a €6 million net salary and a €3.5 million signing fee. Now, at 30, he is reportedly worth half a billion euros, commanding a near €10 million annual salary.

The only explanation for this dramatic increase in value is Çalhanoğlu's significant progress during his time at Inter Milan. His improvement has greatly enhanced his appeal to top clubs. Critics of this view argue, citing video game logic, that players do not improve after the age of 24. However, real football is not a game. While gamers might achieve unrealistic success with teams, the real world operates differently.

Thuram's evolution is a prime example. At 26, when he joined Inter Milan, he might have struggled to make a significant impact as a winger, given the abundance of talented "dribbling prodigies" in modern football. However, under Inter Milan's guidance, he has developed into a more versatile and valuable player, capable of excelling as a central forward. This transformation has been critical to his success with the French national team, where his "Dragon Tail Flicks" have created crucial opportunities.

In contrast to his early struggles, Thuram's performance in the Euro 2024 match against the Netherlands demonstrates his growth. His ability to hold up play, create chances, and contribute defensively underscores his all-around improvement. These skills, honed at Inter Milan, have made him a key player for France and an example of how effective coaching can transform a player's career.

Çalhanoğlu's situation mirrors Thuram's in many ways. His growth at Inter Milan has made him an attractive target for top clubs like Bayern Munich. The significant interest in him, despite his age, highlights the value of his development at Inter Milan. The potential transfer, if it materializes, will be a testament to the transformative power of effective coaching and player development.

Inter Milan's ability to develop players like Thuram and Çalhanoğlu into more complete and versatile athletes is a testament to their coaching staff's expertise. These players' success on the international stage and in the transfer market underscores the importance of continuous development and adaptation in football. As Thuram continues to shine for France, and Çalhanoğlu attracts interest from top clubs, Inter Milan's role in their growth cannot be overstated.

In summary, the evolution of Marcus Thuram and Hakan Çalhanoğlu at Inter Milan exemplifies the impact of effective coaching and player development. Thuram's "Dragon Tail Flicks" and defensive contributions have proven invaluable for France, while Çalhanoğlu's rumored move to Bayern Munich highlights his significant progress. These stories reflect the broader importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in football, showcasing how players can transcend their initial limitations to achieve greater success on the global stage.