Is One of Serie A’s Best U23 Midfielders Still Salvageable at Inter? Key Changes and Growing Pains

Inter Milan’s young midfielder, Kristjan Asllani, has been the subject of much debate and scrutiny. Despite his talent, the Albanian has faced significant challenges in his development at the club level. While his performances for the Albanian national team have been lauded, his progress at Inter has been less straightforward, raising the question: is Asllani's potential still worth investing in, or is he on borrowed time at the San Siro?

The Story Behind the Headlines

Recently, Asllani made headlines for a heartwarming story during Albania’s UEFA Nations League match. On the morning of the match, he requested a special shirt from the Albanian national team staff. The reason? It was his brother Leo’s birthday, and Asllani wanted to celebrate by showing a custom shirt in case he scored. For many, this seemed like a bold move—after all, Asllani is not particularly known for his goal-scoring prowess. His last goal for Albania had come in June 2023, and since then, he had been goalless in 16 national team appearances. For Inter, he had only found the net once in 66 matches.

However, fate was on his side that day. Asllani scored a stunning goal with a powerful low shot from outside the box, sending it straight into the corner. The birthday shirt was revealed, and Albania’s fans, along with his teammates and coaching staff, couldn’t have been prouder. This moment of brilliance solidified his growing status as a national hero.

Yet, while Albania celebrates him, the Italian media has been much harsher in its judgment. Several Italian outlets have criticized Inter’s decision to use Asllani in 66 matches, suggesting that he is still very much a “work in progress.” Some even speculate that the club may be ready to part ways with him, looking for another young talent to fill the void. One of the leading publications, La Gazzetta dello Sport, ran a headline questioning, “Indispensable for Albania, Limited at Inter—Who is the Real Asllani?”

Albania’s Rising Star, Inter’s Underwhelming Midfielder

The stark difference between Asllani's performances for his country and his club has left many puzzled. For Albania, Asllani has quickly become a key player. He is not only a mainstay in the starting XI but also a national icon whose influence is growing by the game. In contrast, at Inter, Asllani is often seen as a weak link in midfield, particularly when he comes on as a substitute for Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Fans and critics alike often point to the drop in quality when Asllani is on the pitch.

This discrepancy raises the fundamental question: why does a player who shines for his national team struggle at his club? Multiple factors come into play, but perhaps the most significant is positional. Asllani himself has admitted, “At the national team, my position is more advanced, and I need to be more aggressive in attack.” For Albania, Asllani is given the freedom to push forward, showcasing his offensive skills. In contrast, at Inter, he is often deployed as a defensive midfielder, a role that requires more discipline and less creativity.

The defensive midfield role is notoriously difficult for young players to master, requiring not only tactical awareness but also a level of maturity that often comes with experience. Despite his struggles, it’s important to note that Asllani is still one of the most valuable under-23 defensive midfielders in Serie A. Among U23 players in this position, only three have a market value exceeding €15 million, and Asllani is one of them. Globally, he ranks among the top 20 U23 defensive midfielders by value, a clear indication that his talent is recognized even if his development has been slower than expected.

Technical Skills Are Not the Issue

One of Asllani’s staunchest defenders is Giuseppe Bergomi, a former Inter captain and one of Italy’s most respected football analysts. Bergomi believes that Asllani’s technical ability is unquestionable. “He has excellent technique and quality, but when he plays for Inter, he seems afraid. He must understand that at Inter, simply playing it safe is not enough,” Bergomi remarked.

This observation is backed up by the numbers. Last season, Asllani’s short passing accuracy was an impressive 95.2%, while his mid-range passing accuracy stood at 94.4%. His long passes had a 77.3% success rate, and he averaged 91.9 passes per 90 minutes—almost identical to Çalhanoğlu's figures (93.4%, 94.9%, 76.4%, 82.4 passes).

However, the difference between the two players lies in their approach to the game. Çalhanoğlu, for example, averages about eight “key progressive passes” per match, while Asllani manages just three. Additionally, Çalhanoğlu attempts 2.32 tackles in the opponent's half every 90 minutes, with a success rate of 1.16, whereas Asllani’s numbers are 0.8 and 0.23, respectively.

According to Bergomi, the issue isn’t Asllani’s talent, but rather his mentality. The young midfielder often plays too cautiously, focusing on “safe” passes and opting for a more conservative approach to defending. This makes sense for a player who knows that any mistake could cost him valuable playing time. As a substitute, the margin for error is slim, and one risky pass or missed tackle could see Asllani warming the bench for weeks.

This cautious approach is understandable, but it’s also holding Asllani back. Last season, his hesitancy to push forward or make risky tackles limited his impact on games.

Positive Signs of Change

Despite the criticism, there are signs that Asllani is beginning to evolve. This season, he has been noticeably more aggressive, both defensively and offensively. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Asllani’s defensive numbers have significantly improved. Last season, he averaged just 0.8 tackles per 90 minutes, with a success rate of 28.8%. This season, he is attempting 3.33 tackles per 90 minutes, with around half of those taking place in the opponent's half. Although his success rate remains at roughly 30%, the increased frequency of his attempts shows a player who is no longer afraid to make mistakes.

Offensively, the changes are even more pronounced. Asllani’s shot attempts have increased by 57% compared to last season, and his key passes have gone up by 44%. These numbers reflect a clear shift in his mindset. No longer content with playing it safe, Asllani is now trying to influence games in a more meaningful way. While this more adventurous approach has led to an increase in the number of times he’s dispossessed or loses the ball, it also means that he is more involved in the game, both in attack and defense.

This willingness to take risks is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it opens him up to more criticism when things go wrong. On the other hand, it also increases his chances of producing moments of brilliance—like his goal for Albania.

Growing Pains and the Path Forward

Asllani’s current struggles at Inter can be seen as “growing pains” typical of a player in transition. After 66 matches of what some might call a “trial period,” he is now in a phase where he’s attempting to push his limits. These adjustments might not always yield immediate results, but they are crucial for his development as a top-level midfielder.

The fact that Asllani delivered on the international stage with his goal for Albania is a positive sign. It not only boosts his confidence but also serves as a reminder of his potential.