Alexis has been disappointing so far, and the Nerazzurri, with Arnautovic sidelined, are struggling when they need to turn the game around. Klaassen and Mkhitaryan can provide some assistance, but…
In the 55th minute of Inter-Bologna, the visitors had just equalized with Joshua Zirkzee, and Simone Inzaghi deviated from the usual game plan, which typically includes substitutions around the one-hour mark.
He replaced both wing players, with decent results, and also brought in Alexis Sanchez for Marcus Thuram. Some fans approved of this decision, while others believed it was too early to substitute the French international.
Thuram hadn’t been shining and had been in competition with the Chilean for the starting spot alongside Lautaro Martinez, but Niño Maravilla hadn’t made a significant impact this season. Unfortunately for Inter, the match at the Giuseppe Meazza was no exception.
It’s not a severely inadequate performance, but in a deadlock situation, a backup attacker is crucial to find the winning spark. However, in reality, Sanchez struggles to translate his desire and creativity into effectiveness. He often holds onto the ball for too long, frequently wasting valuable time.
ALTERNATIVES
The alternatives within the squad, it’s no secret, are Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Davy Klaassen in the attacking midfield or as second strikers behind Lautaro. So far, only Mkhitaryan has been tested in an attacking role, during the debut match against Monza, in the late stages of the game. But can the coach really rely on this attacking solution?
Both of them understand the role and are willing to play it, but so far, the more traditional 3-5-2 formation has earned more trust from the coach, and like that one of them has to play as a striker.
And the schedule, leading up to the November break, features crucial fixtures in the autumn for the ‘Nerazzurri’. The double clash in the Champions League against Salzburg, the matches against Torino, Atalanta, and Roma, including the highly anticipated face-off with former player Romelu Lukaku will be a huge test for the Inter coach.
IN JANUARY
Coach and management have promptly stated – at the time of Arnautovic’s injury – that the club would not intervene in the free-agent market right now, either due to a lack of opportunities, budget constraints, or the reasonable belief that the squad is already well-equipped to cope with a couple of months without Arnautovic.
However, at this moment, it cannot be ruled out that the parties involved will maintain the same position even in January. It depends on how much this absence will affect Inter’s journey and also on how Arnautovic will perform in December.
So far, he shone in the debut against Monza (with a great performance and an assist) but disappointed against Real Sociedad. A stellar December could help the club overcome the current challenges, while continued doubts might lead Inter to consider available options in the winter transfer window.
