Inter Milan's Worst Performer Finds Hope in Rising Star: Management Backs Striker Despite Calls for January Reinforcements

Inter Milan's exit from the Coppa Italia might have been met with a calm acceptance from most fans, but the Italian media has not been as forgiving. Numerous Inter players faced harsh criticism, with Kristjan Asllani, who received the fourth-highest rating among his teammates, being questioned about his future at the club by La Gazzetta dello Sport. Davy Klaassen was heavily criticized for his performance, while Marko Arnautovic, deemed the worst on the field, was subjected to intense scrutiny.

Arnautovic received a dismal 4.5 rating, tied for the lowest single-match score for an Inter player this season. The Italian press has been relentless in their condemnation of him, seemingly cementing his status as Inter's worst player of the season. While criticism is a normal reaction to a loss in the football world, the response from Inter's transfer committee has been notably different.

Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia's Inter correspondent Matteo Barzaghi have confirmed that despite widespread calls for Inter to sign a new striker in the January transfer window, the club's management remains steadfast in their decision not to reinforce the forward line. They are confident that Arnautovic and Alexis Sanchez, despite their struggles, will eventually prove their worth.

As the season approaches its midway point, Inter hopes that their two experienced forwards can contribute crucial points in the latter stages. The idea of "better late than never" applies here; a few key performances in the second half of the season would be preferable to complete failure.

Arnautovic's Struggles and Potential Solutions

Arnautovic's difficulties were clearly outlined by former Inter player and now commentator Aldo Serena. Inter expects Arnautovic to play a physical role, holding off defenders and acting as a pivot for his teammates. However, after spending years as the focal point in smaller teams, he has struggled to adapt to this supporting role. This incompatibility is evident when he plays alongside Lautaro Martinez, and their recent body language should not be overinterpreted as a sign of discord but rather as a reflection of their discomfort on the pitch.

Italian football analyst Fabio Altobelli suggested that the key to unlocking Arnautovic's potential might lie with Marcus Thuram, Inter's current "rising star." Thuram’s market value has surged to €55 million, moving closer to the predicted €80 million end-of-season valuation. Some fans believe this rise is still too slow, but in the context of Serie A, such a meteoric increase is rare.

Currently, Arnautovic is seen as a backup for Thuram. In 14 appearances across all competitions, Arnautovic has replaced Thuram 10 times and started three matches only to be substituted by Thuram later. Their combined playing time is a mere 10 minutes. The remaining minutes have been split between partnering with Sanchez and Martinez, with limited success.

The "Arnautovic-Lautaro combination" had a promising start when Arnautovic assisted Lautaro's goal in the first match of the season against Monza. However, since then, their partnership has failed to produce any notable results. In contrast, Lautaro's partnership with Thuram has been prolific, while his time alongside Arnautovic has been unproductive. This raises the question: Is it wise to designate a player with a striker's mindset as a backup for a versatile forward like Thuram? Could pairing them together yield better results?

Management’s Unyielding Support

Inter’s management remains optimistic about Arnautovic and Sanchez. Despite the criticism, they believe in the potential of their experienced forwards. This confidence is critical, especially considering Lautaro Martinez's recent muscle fatigue, which is expected to sideline him for one to two matches. This unexpected break for Lautaro might present an opportunity for Arnautovic to prove his worth.

Inter’s official reports have highlighted the close personal relationship between Thuram and Arnautovic, describing them as “brothers.” This camaraderie could translate into better on-field chemistry, potentially making them a formidable duo. When Arnautovic replaced Lautaro in the 71st minute of Inter’s 1-0 away victory against Empoli, he performed well, engaging in three physical duels and creating a scoring opportunity for his teammates within ten minutes before being substituted due to an injury. This brief yet impactful performance showcased his potential.

Looking Ahead: A Glimmer of Hope

Arnautovic’s injury-induced absence saw a reduction in his intensity upon returning, which is understandable. However, the current fitness issues faced by Lautaro and Sanchez present an opportunity for Arnautovic to reclaim his form and demonstrate his value to the team.

The prospect of Arnautovic and Thuram playing together more frequently this season is intriguing. Their brief stint together against Empoli showed promise, and with Lautaro's temporary absence, Inter fans and management alike are keen to see if this partnership can flourish.

Inter’s decision to refrain from signing a new striker in the January transfer window is a gamble. The management's faith in Arnautovic and Sanchez could either pay off handsomely or backfire, depending on their performances in the crucial second half of the season.

Tactical Considerations and Player Dynamics

Inter’s tactical setup under Simone Inzaghi has seen Arnautovic deployed primarily as a traditional striker, expected to hold up play and bring others into the game. However, his natural inclination towards a more central, scoring role has made this adaptation challenging. In contrast, Thuram’s versatility allows him to excel both as a primary striker and in a supporting role, creating a dilemma for the coaching staff in terms of optimal player deployment.

Arnautovic’s limited time on the field alongside Thuram has been a missed opportunity. With Thuram’s rising stock and impressive performances, integrating Arnautovic more effectively into the team structure could provide the necessary offensive boost. Their contrasting styles—Thuram’s versatility and Arnautovic’s physicality—could complement each other well, potentially unlocking a new dynamic in Inter’s attack.

The Role of Team Chemistry

The personal bond between Thuram and Arnautovic, highlighted by Inter’s official communications, suggests a strong off-field relationship. Translating this chemistry onto the pitch could be crucial. The duo’s ability to understand and anticipate each other’s movements might lead to more cohesive and effective attacking plays, providing Inter with a new dimension in their forward line.

As Inter navigates the complexities of their season, the upcoming matches will be critical. With Lautaro expected to miss a few games, Arnautovic has a chance to step up and make a significant impact. His performance in these crucial fixtures could determine not only his future at the club but also Inter’s success in achieving their season objectives.

Conclusion

Inter Milan’s decision to back Marko Arnautovic and Alexis Sanchez, despite external calls for new signings, reflects a deep-rooted belief in their potential. As the season progresses, the onus will be on Arnautovic to adapt to the team’s needs and form a productive partnership with Marcus Thuram. The next few matches will be pivotal in determining whether this strategy pays off, potentially transforming Inter’s attacking dynamics and ensuring a successful campaign.