Post-2000 Players Finally Shed Inter Milan’s Shame as Young Talent Shines

In the 84th minute of Inter Milan’s match against Lecce, Simone Inzaghi made a substitution: Benjamin Pavard replaced Carlos Augusto. Fans, both local and international, humorously imagined what the players might be thinking. Matteo Darmian might have thought, "Others get substituted, but I just switch positions" (from right wing-back to left wing-back). Pavard, reminiscing his days at Bayern Munich, might have quipped, "I left Bayern to escape playing wing-back because of a tall German. Is this nightmare repeating? Oh God, tall Germans are terrifying."

These jokes were all in good fun, as Inter was comfortably leading 2-0 and had an extra man on the field. However, these lighthearted comments were rooted in a significant truth: the standout performance of young German defender Yann Aurel Bisseck, who almost netted a hat-trick and won over the crowd, was the highlight of the match. His performance was perhaps the most reassuring development for Inter Milan recently.

Bisseck’s Emerging Talent

Bisseck's performance wasn't flawless. Attentive observers could spot a few moments where his defensive play was less than stable. It's a fact that young players often have areas needing improvement, and for Bisseck, his defense is one such area. However, the presence of weaknesses isn't as concerning as the absence of standout strengths. For Bisseck, his core strength lies in his offensive capabilities, which are exceptional.

Early in his tenure at Inter, Bisseck played conservatively, hesitant to showcase his strengths while struggling to hide his defensive shortcomings. Consequently, he didn't stand out. However, now that Bisseck is fully displaying his abilities, evaluations of him have changed. The €7 million investment in him is proving to be a winning lottery ticket. His potential strategic significance for Inter could far exceed that of a mere lottery win.

In the match against Lecce, Bisseck nearly achieved a hat-trick. His brilliant header opened the scoring for Inter. A second goal, scored with an awkward yet powerful header, showcased his core strength and aerial prowess. If not for some outstanding goalkeeping, Bisseck might have scored another header. Additionally, he created a threat with a volley from a corner, which hit the post. Despite the resistance from the goalkeeper and the woodwork, Bisseck scored his debut goal for Inter, earning him a standing ovation from over 70,000 fans at the San Siro.

A Historic Moment

For Bisseck, this was an unforgettable moment. After the match, he was still overwhelmed: "The whole stadium went crazy. This is a moment I will remember forever. I have never played in such a stadium. I was surprised, I am happy, and I love everything about it!"

The fans' excitement was partly due to Bisseck washing away an old shame for Inter Milan—he is the first post-2000 defender in Inter's history to score a goal. More accurately, only two post-2000 players have scored for Inter in Serie A: Bisseck and Sebastiano Esposito, who scored thanks to a penalty gifted by Romelu Lukaku. Counting only until the end of 2023, how many top European clubs have yet to see a post-2000 player score from open play in the league? Inter Milan’s struggle with integrating young players has been a longstanding issue.

Patience with Young Players

When Bisseck first played for Inter and performed adequately, some critics remarked, "He's already 23. Haaland and Foden, of the same age, are superstars. What's the big deal?" While the comparison might seem fair, it overlooks an essential context: this is Inter Milan, not Manchester City, Arsenal, Dortmund, or Real Madrid. Inter is notoriously impatient and demanding with young players, making it exceedingly challenging for them to rise through the ranks.

Inter's problem with young players has become a glaring and embarrassing issue. Some so-called fans, frustrated by the team's inability to nurture young talent, have given up hope and resorted to criticizing every new star. They believe this cynicism is a sign of understanding the game and upholding the truth.

A Strategic Shift

Despite the negativity, any attempt to address this issue should be encouraged. Fortunately, this night saw a breakthrough. If Bisseck proves to be a winning ticket, and if this attempt to nurture young talent can lead to a more supportive and patient environment for youth development at Inter, it could signify a crucial strategic shift. This endeavor’s significance surpasses that of a single goal or match; it is vital for the club’s transformation in the post-financial powerhouse era.

In Inter's 2-0 victory over Lecce, many positives emerged. Marko Arnautović performed admirably as a rotation player, aside from some missed opportunities. Veterans like Francesco Acerbi, Darmian, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan continued to display their reliability, exemplifying the value of experienced players.

However, players like Nicolò Barella, Lautaro Martínez, and Bisseck also stood out. Barella, who joined Inter as a young prospect, has grown into a vital player, proving his world-class status by stepping up as a captain and leader in crucial moments. Similarly, Lautaro’s journey from a young talent to Inter’s captain and leader is noteworthy.

Comparatively, Bisseck joined Inter at a similar age and is currently a raw talent. His development trajectory remains uncertain, but there is reason for optimism. Not just for his personal success, but because Inter desperately needs young talents to succeed. The club’s future could very well hinge on the success of players like Bisseck, and the hope is that he will inspire a new era of youth development at Inter Milan.