Is Inter's New Striker Really the Weakest Link? Thuram's 259 Minutes Reveal Two Key Strengths

As Marko Arnautović arrives in Milan, Inter's attacking lineup for the new season appears set. Unless Joaquin Correa departs before the transfer window closes—an unlikely scenario—Inter is unlikely to make any additional signings up front. However, many media outlets and experts are already questioning whether this strike force can carry the burden of delivering Inter's ambitious goal of securing a second star on their badge, symbolizing 20 Serie A titles.

Much of the criticism has been directed at Marcus Thuram. Since his arrival, questions have lingered about his role—would he be the team's second-choice striker or merely a third option? While starting roles are ultimately determined by performance, there must be some initial clarity about a player's position within the squad. This is part of building a coherent team strategy.

La Gazzetta dello Sport recently highlighted the seven forwards Inter considered before settling on Thuram. Had Inter signed one of their other targets, Thuram might have been slotted as the third-choice striker. Instead, with the arrival of the aging and less durable Arnautović, Thuram's role has been elevated. The big question now: Can Thuram shoulder this responsibility?

Early Struggles and Media Scrutiny

Thuram's performances in preseason have done little to ease these concerns. His display in Inter’s final warm-up match, a 4-2 victory over Albanian side KF Egnatia, earned him the lowest rating on the team—a mere 5 out of 10 from La Gazzetta dello Sport. The publication also noted his struggles throughout the preseason, particularly his lack of goals, which has reportedly become a source of concern for head coach Simone Inzaghi.

Across four preseason games, Thuram played 259 minutes, managed only one shot on target, and displayed a worrying downward trend in his performances. He started strong, receiving one of the highest ratings in Inter’s first friendly against Al-Nassr, but his form steadily declined. This has led some fans and pundits—many of whom were eagerly anticipating the arrival of a marquee signing—to direct their frustration at Thuram. However, much of this criticism seems to be misplaced.

Instead of focusing on the negativity, it's worth examining Thuram’s performances more closely. Contrary to the harsh critiques, Thuram has shown flashes of promise, rooted in two key aspects: his willingness to execute the coach's game plan and his ability to create chances for his teammates.

Bright Spot 1: Tactical Discipline and Team-First Mentality

One of Thuram’s standout traits during preseason has been his tactical discipline and selflessness. Despite being a forward, his primary positioning has not been in the opponent’s penalty box. Instead, Thuram frequently dropped deeper into the midfield and wide areas to aid in buildup play and ball progression.

Against both stronger and weaker opponents, Thuram often operated in spaces typically occupied by attacking midfielders or wide forwards. His contributions included initiating counterattacks, holding up the ball, and linking up with Inter’s midfielders. Many of his duels, aerial challenges, and dribbles took place outside the box. This willingness to sacrifice personal scoring opportunities for the team has not gone unnoticed.

Yes, there were moments when Thuram found himself in prime scoring positions, only to miss the target. One particularly glaring miss drew widespread criticism, as he fired wide from a central position with no defender in sight. But context matters—these chances were rare, and his lack of finishing sharpness could be attributed to limited opportunities, resulting in poor rhythm and a lack of confidence in front of goal.

Bright Spot 2: Chance Creation for Teammates

While Thuram’s shooting has been underwhelming, his ability to create chances for others has been a consistent highlight. In his 259 minutes of preseason action, Thuram produced four key passes, setting up opportunities for strike partners Lautaro Martínez and Joaquin Correa.

Beyond the raw statistics, many of Thuram’s contributions won’t show up in the box score. He frequently drew defenders out of position, creating space for his teammates to exploit. His physical presence and aerial ability often disrupted opposition defenses, leading to second-chance opportunities for Martínez and others.

During Inter’s tour of Japan, Thuram’s partnership with Martínez began to show promise. Initially, Thuram was the one providing service to the Argentine, but as the preseason progressed, the dynamic started to shift. In the latter stages of the friendlies, Martínez began returning the favor, setting up chances for Thuram. This evolving partnership suggests that with time and continued development, their chemistry could become a significant asset for Inter.

Underappreciated Contributions

Thuram’s influence extends beyond playmaking. He has demonstrated an ability to carry the ball through midfield, turning defense into attack. In matches against stronger opponents like Paris Saint-Germain, Thuram’s ball-carrying ability helped Inter transition quickly from defense to offense. His powerful runs stretched opposing defenses, often leaving defenders trailing in his wake.

In the preseason, Thuram attempted six dribbles and succeeded on four occasions. He engaged in 14 duels, winning eight of them. His defensive contributions during set-piece situations were also notable, as he frequently won crucial aerial battles, particularly in defensive clearances.

One memorable moment came when he held off PSG’s Milan Škriniar during a counterattack, driving forward with the ball despite the Slovakian defender's attempts to pull him back. This kind of forward play—where a striker single-handedly advances the ball and relieves pressure on the defense—has been a rarity at Inter in recent seasons.

The Need for Patience

There’s no denying that Thuram’s preseason goal drought and limited shooting opportunities are concerns. However, these issues are not insurmountable. Thuram has already demonstrated that he possesses the necessary qualities to succeed: tactical intelligence, a selfless attitude, and the ability to create chances for others.

For a new signing adjusting to a different league and a new tactical system, these attributes are far more important than immediate goal-scoring returns. Thuram has shown that he is willing to work hard for the team, follow the coach’s instructions, and build rapport with his strike partners.

With patience, time, and continued development, Thuram has the potential to become a key player for Inter. His early struggles are part of the adjustment process, and as he grows more comfortable with his new surroundings, his confidence and goal-scoring form are likely to improve.

For now, Inter fans should focus on the positives Thuram brings to the team and trust in his ability to adapt and thrive. After all, in football, a player with the right attitude and work ethic often finds a way to succeed—and Thuram appears to have both in abundance.