Inter Milan’s Rising Star Unveiled: Agile Playmaker Shines Against Manchester City U19, Could Be the Next Barella or Mkhitaryan

Inter Milan’s recent promotion of young talent Thomas Berenbruch has generated excitement and curiosity among fans. The Italian U20 international, described by insiders as a highly promising player, was recently called up by Simone Inzaghi to the senior squad ahead of their match against Roma. While injuries to key players like Kristjan Asllani and Piotr Zielinski have forced Inzaghi to shuffle his lineup, the decision to bring in Berenbruch was not a spur-of-the-moment move but rather a pre-planned step to integrate this rising star into the first team.

Despite limited appearances at the senior level, Berenbruch has impressed many with his technical abilities and offensive instincts, particularly his agility and creativity. Here, we take a closer look at his strengths, weaknesses, and potential, shedding light on why this young player is being compared to established stars like Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Berenbruch: A Breakdown of His Role and Playing Style

The first thing to note about Berenbruch is that he is not a direct replacement for Asllani, who operates as a deep-lying playmaker in defensive midfield. Instead, Berenbruch is more of a box-to-box midfielder (B2B), thriving in a role that prioritizes offensive contributions over defensive duties. In a typical three-man midfield, Berenbruch would be deployed on either the left or right side, filling the positions typically held by Barella or Mkhitaryan in Inter’s system. He is far more comfortable advancing into attacking positions than sitting deep and shielding the defense.

One of Berenbruch’s most notable qualities is his left foot, which is often described as “golden.” His dribbling, passing, and shooting techniques are all executed with impressive finesse, but this comes with the caveat that his right foot is significantly weaker, a limitation that becomes apparent in more competitive fixtures. Still, what he lacks in two-footed versatility, he makes up for with creativity, vision, and an exceptional ability to unlock defenses in the final third.

Early Promise and Senior Team Call-Up

At 19 years old, Berenbruch is among the oldest players in Inter’s Primavera (youth) squad, and he has been one of the standout performers over the past two seasons. He was one of the three youth players specifically earmarked by Inzaghi during preseason as a potential first-team contributor this campaign. He donned the number 52 shirt in four preseason matches for Inter, demonstrating enough promise to attract interest from multiple clubs over the summer. Teams in Italy, as well as several from England and Spain, expressed interest in taking him on loan, but Inzaghi and Inter’s management opted to keep him within the club, anticipating that his development could be crucial as they navigate a long and grueling season that includes an expanded Champions League format.

Berenbruch’s recent elevation to the first team came shortly after Asllani’s knee injury. While his call-up may have seemed like a sudden move to some, it was actually in line with Inzaghi’s preseason strategy of keeping a close eye on the youth talent he believes could make an impact in the senior team. Berenbruch’s skill set makes him an intriguing option, especially in games where Inter requires a creative spark from midfield.

Strengths: Stamina, Offensive Instincts, and Game-Changing Potential

Despite some physical limitations—namely, his relatively slight frame and struggles with physical duels—Berenbruch is a player who stands out for his work rate and agility. He is quick, nimble, and tireless, traits that make him one of the top ball-recovery players in Inter’s youth setup. Last season, he averaged 5.1 ball recoveries per game, a statistic that underscores his ability to track back and win possession, despite his lack of physicality. This energy and determination allow him to cover vast areas of the pitch, helping his team transition from defense to attack with speed.

Berenbruch’s offensive stats are equally impressive. Last season, he scored 9 goals and provided 10 assists across 31 matches in the Primavera league, along with 2 goals and 2 assists in 7 UEFA Youth League matches. These numbers highlight his ability to contribute both as a scorer and a creator, a combination that makes him a dangerous weapon in the final third. His sharp instincts and quick decision-making often catch defenders off guard, particularly when he’s afforded time and space on the ball.

One of his standout performances came in this season’s UEFA Youth League match against Manchester City U19, where he played a crucial role in Inter’s 4-2 comeback victory. Berenbruch was involved in three of Inter’s four goals, showcasing his talent for creating and finishing chances. His first goal was a powerful strike from the edge of the box, perfectly placed into the top corner. This type of long-range effort is becoming a hallmark of his game, though he’s not the type of player who relies on brute force. Instead, he uses quick, fluid movements to create space and get shots off before defenders can react.

His second moment of brilliance came from a solo run down the right flank. After accelerating past two defenders, he unleashed a shot that forced a parry from the goalkeeper, allowing a teammate to score on the rebound. The burst of pace and the composure to shoot under pressure demonstrated his flair and attacking mindset. His third contribution was equally impressive: after intercepting a long pass, he quickly turned and fired a shot into the corner of the net, again relying on his left foot to execute the finish.

These moments of brilliance highlight why so many clubs are interested in Berenbruch. His ability to make quick decisions and execute them with precision sets him apart as a player with significant attacking potential.

Weaknesses: Physicality and Limited Right Foot Usage

While Berenbruch is undoubtedly a gifted player, his limitations are also evident. One of the most glaring is his physicality. At the youth level, his success rate in physical duels has been underwhelming, with only a 36% win rate last season and a slight improvement to 40% this year. These struggles suggest that he could face significant challenges when stepping up to the senior level, where the intensity and physical demands are far higher. For a player who relies on his agility and movement rather than brute strength, this will be an area where Berenbruch will need to adapt and develop.

Another issue is his over-reliance on his left foot. While his left foot is technically sound and capable of producing moments of magic, his reluctance to use his right foot is a concern, especially at higher levels of competition where defenders are quick to exploit such weaknesses. His ability to improve this aspect of his game could be crucial in determining whether he can become a consistent contributor for Inter’s first team.

Inzaghi’s Vision and Berenbruch’s Future

Berenbruch fits into Simone Inzaghi’s tactical mold, particularly given the coach’s preference for midfielders who can cover a lot of ground and contribute to both phases of play. Inzaghi has long favored players who are capable of pressing high, recovering possession, and transitioning quickly into attack—traits that Berenbruch embodies. His offensive creativity and high work rate are characteristics that the coach values, and if Berenbruch can adapt to the physical demands of Serie A, he could very well become a key player for the senior squad.

In interviews, Berenbruch has expressed his admiration for senior players like Barella and Mkhitaryan, citing Barella’s creativity and fighting spirit, and Mkhitaryan’s intelligence as key attributes he hopes to learn from. His coaches within the youth setup have echoed this sentiment, identifying Barella and Mkhitaryan as role models for Berenbruch’s development.

As he continues to train with the first team and gain more experience, the big question remains: will he become the next Barella or Mkhitaryan for Inter? While his talent is undeniable, his physicality and right-footed limitations need improvement. If he can address these areas of weakness, Berenbruch has the potential to carve out a significant role in Inter’s future. Fans and coaches alike will be watching closely to see how this talented young midfielder develops, and whether he can fulfill the high expectations placed on him.