Inter Milan's Biggest Threat Among European Giants: The Inevitable Overhaul of the "13 Veterans"

As Inter Milan prepares intensively for the final stretch of the Serie A season, aiming to secure the championship as soon as possible, the club's management and fans are already looking ahead. The biggest hope for Inter fans is for the team to maintain this season's strong performance and achieve a consecutive championship cycle. However, the most pressing issue for Inter, when assessed against this goal, is unmistakably aging.

The Aging Problem

Two critical numbers illustrate this issue. The first number is 29. While Inter's average squad age is "only" slightly over 28 years, this figure includes younger players like Akinsanmiro, skewing the average. The starting lineup's average age is a more concerning 29 years, with one-third of the matches featuring a starting eleven averaging over 30 years old. Compared to other European powerhouses, Inter's starting eleven is significantly older. For instance:

• AC Milan: 26.8 years
• Juventus: 26.5 years
• Barcelona: 26.1 years
• Real Madrid: 27.0 years
• Bayer Leverkusen: 26.1 years
• Bayern Munich: 27.5 years
• Borussia Dortmund: 27.1 years
• Chelsea: 24.2 years
• Arsenal: 24.7 years
• Manchester United: 26.2 years
• Manchester City: 26.5 years
• Liverpool: 26.3 years
• Paris Saint-Germain: 24.8 years

Inter tops the list of "oldest" starting elevens among these European giants, leading significantly.

Dependence on Older Players

The second critical number is 67.5%. So far this season, Inter has played 40 matches across all competitions. Of these matches, eight players have played over 2,500 minutes (approximately 70% of total minutes). Among these "workhorses," five are over 30, making up 67.5% of the key players: Yann Sommer (35), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (35), Hakan Çalhanoğlu (30), Matteo Darmian (34), and Francesco Acerbi (36).

In contrast, younger players like Kristjan Asllani and Yann Bisseck, or even players like Davide Frattesi, who would no longer be considered "youngsters" in other leagues but seem youthful in Inter's squad, are among those with the least playing time. These players, who should represent the future of the team, are often the subject of criticism from fans and pundits on platforms like Twitter, with calls for them to be sold.

The Upcoming Challenge

Inter's aging problem is undeniable. This summer will feature the Copa America, UEFA European Championship, and the Olympics. Next season will also see an expanded Champions League and the Club World Cup, significantly increasing the fixture load. Sustaining performance will be crucial. If Inter fails to address the aging issue, it could severely impact their dream of maintaining their dominant cycle.

Consider Juan Cuadrado as an example. Last season, Cuadrado, though past his prime, was still a reliable rotation player. However, this season, his contributions have diminished dramatically, highlighting the unpredictability of relying on aging players. The sudden and severe decline of older players can catch the team off guard.

Management’s Awareness and Strategy

Fortunately, Inter's management is aware of this looming issue. They have already started taking steps to mitigate the risks associated with an aging squad. Overhauling the team, particularly targeting older players, has become a key strategy.

Inter has used 26 players this season. If we divide the squad by age, we get two groups: "the old guard" and "the young guns," with the dividing line at around 29 years. The "old guard" consists of 13 players, many of whom are already set to leave. For instance, Cuadrado (36), Alexis Sanchez (35), Davy Klaassen (31), and Stefano Sensi (approaching 29 but often playing like an older player). Other veterans like Joaquin Correa (turning 30 in August) and Marko Arnautovic are also on the list of potential departures.

Specific Cases

Francesco Acerbi represents a special case. Recently, there has been a lot of media speculation about his future, with some reports suggesting internal conflicts and dissatisfaction within the club. However, market experts believe that Inter is considering bringing in a new central defender not due to any internal strife but purely because of the need for long-term planning given the age of Acerbi, Darmian, and Stefan de Vrij.

Necessary Adjustments

The issue of aging at Inter is a fact that cannot be ignored. Inter's coach Simone Inzaghi has expressed a desire to avoid another massive overhaul next season, similar to the 12 in-and-out transfers this season that made the coach's job incredibly challenging. Instead, Inter plans to make 6-7 changes to the 20+ player squad, focusing mainly on reducing the age of the team. This direction towards a younger squad is a positive move.

Strategic Reinforcement

Inter's ongoing efforts to balance their squad's age by integrating younger talents while phasing out older players demonstrate a proactive approach to maintaining competitive performance. This strategy ensures that the team is well-prepared for the increased demands of the upcoming season and beyond. A careful, well-planned rejuvenation process can safeguard against the potential pitfalls of an aging squad, ensuring that Inter remains a formidable force in European football.

Conclusion

Strategic foresight is essential. The principle of "strategic stability" is valuable whether managing a country or a football team. Inter's management's consistent commitment to this principle over the past eight years is now beginning to pay off. As Inter navigates the complexities of squad management, their ability to maintain a clear and consistent strategy will be crucial in achieving lasting success.