Inter Milan's Rising Star: From Awe to Earning Modrić's Respect, Misses One-on-One Chance Under Pressure from the Ballon d'Or Winner

In the 31st minute of the Euro 2024 qualifier between Croatia and Albania, a pivotal moment unfolded that showcased both the promise and the growing pains of Inter Milan's young talent, Kristjan Asllani. A misjudged pass from Luka Modrić was intercepted, setting the stage for a swift counterattack by Albania. Asllani found himself with a golden opportunity, a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The pressure was palpable, especially with Modrić hot on his heels, desperately trying to atone for his error. Under the intense scrutiny of the legendary midfielder, Asllani hastily took his shot but failed to convert.

Italian media lamented the missed opportunity: "He missed what could have been a career-defining goal, much like his chance against Barcelona." Objectively, Asllani has not been known for his goal-scoring prowess, especially at Inter. In 66 Serie A appearances, he has only scored twice and has yet to find the net in 11 Champions League and 10 Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana matches. However, his performance for the national team has been more encouraging. Playing as one of the double pivots or as a mezzala in a three-man midfield, he has shown a better offensive output, contributing to three open-play goals (two goals and one assist) in 22 appearances (1,583 minutes in total).

Yet, those goals came against relatively weaker opponents like the Faroe Islands, Moldova, and Armenia. While this ensures his spot in the national team, it has done little to bolster his reputation across Europe. A goal against Croatia, particularly under the watchful eyes of Modrić, could have significantly elevated his status.

The Missed Opportunity and Its Aftermath

Asllani candidly admitted his mistake post-match: "I thought Modrić would get the ball because he was very close. So when I shot, my eyes were closed. I should have done better, but that's football..." The notion of "young players paying their dues" is a common refrain in football, and Asllani's experience is a quintessential example.

The build-up to the match had already been filled with hype, with European media billing it as a showdown between Asllani and Modrić. This was not just due to the clash between the Champions League and Serie A winners; it was also because Asllani was tasked with shadowing Modrić. The Croatian maestro is the standout star of Croatia's "golden generation," while Asllani represents Albania's promising crop of players born between 2001 and 2003, alongside Chelsea's Armando Broja.

The media frenzy reflected high expectations for Asllani, placing significant pressure on the young midfielder. At just 22, being under such intense national scrutiny can be daunting. Despite his nerves showing during the critical moment of the missed shot, Asllani generally held his own against Modrić throughout the match. He covered 12,150 meters, the most by any player on the field, showcasing his immense work rate.

The Hard Work Behind the Scenes

Serie A fans noted a striking observation: for over a decade, the player who ran the most in Croatian matches was often Marcelo Brozović. However, since Brozović's move to Saudi Arabia, his influence seems to have waned, and he was substituted at halftime, an unusual sight. Meanwhile, Asllani, another Inter player, took up the mantle, highlighting Inter Milan's knack for developing relentless midfielders.

Asllani's defensive efforts were commendable, with three successful tackles out of four, nine accurate long passes out of 13 attempts, three clearances inside his own box, two interceptions, and one tackle. Despite his missed one-on-one chance, his expected assists (xA) value was impressive, indicating his contributions on the offensive end as well.

In terms of sportsmanship, Asllani received praise from UEFA's on-site investigators. Moments after fiercely contesting a ball with Modrić, Asllani rushed to check on the Croatian star, embodying the blend of toughness and compassion that makes football so compelling. This respect extended beyond the match, as Asllani managed to secure both Modrić's and Ivan Perišić's jerseys, a testament to the respect he earned from the Croatian team. TV reports indicated that Perišić, with his strong ties to Inter, was keen on swapping shirts with Asllani. As a fan of Modrić, Asllani ambitiously sought his idol's jersey as well. Modrić, impressed by the youngster, obliged, leaving Asllani with a prized memento. Post-match, Asllani proudly shared his joy: "I'm very happy and lucky that Ivan and Luka made it happen for me."

Commentary on Asllani's Growth

Commentator Alberto Altobelli offered insightful analysis: "In the Argentine squad, coach Lionel Scaloni consistently emphasizes that young stars like Facundo Buonanotte and Alejandro Garnacho should not be burdened with excessive pressure and that their development should be organic through competitive matches against strong opponents. We see a similar evolution in Asllani. Although he missed a crucial goal against Barcelona and faltered under Modrić's pressure, his consistent performances against top teams show he's becoming stronger, better, and more confident with each game."

Conclusion

The Euro 2024 qualifier between Croatia and Albania was more than just a match; it was a testament to the pressures and growth of young talents in football. Kristjan Asllani's journey from missing a pivotal chance to earning the respect of a legend like Luka Modrić encapsulates the highs and lows of a burgeoning career. As he continues to face top-tier opponents and learn from these experiences, Asllani is poised to transform from a promising talent to a distinguished player on the European stage.