The French defender set up the winning goal against Juventus, adding another gem to a splendid season: the summer investment has proven to be successful.
After assisting Lautaro in the Supercoppa final against Napoli in Saudi Arabia and making a crucial header save against Fiorentina, Benjamin Pavard proves decisive once again in the Derby d’Italia against Juventus at the ‘San Siro‘. His bicycle kick leads to an own goal by Gatti, sealing the result at 1-0 and propelling Inter to a +4 lead with one game in hand. Not to forget his earlier defensive intervention against Dusan Vlahovic, making an imprecise control.
30 MILLION – The French international, turning 28 on March 28, arrived from Bayern Munich at the end of August for €30 million. Some critics considered it excessive for a defender whose contract was expiring in June. Others argued that it would have been better to invest this money in a younger and stronger striker than Arnautovic.
BENJI THE INTERISTA – Regardless, Pavard pressed Bayern to convince the German champions to let him go to Milan, earning him the nickname “Benji the Interista.” A love at first sight demonstrated in both good and bad times. Just think of his limping run to embrace Calhanoglu after the goal against Atalanta, following the knee injury that kept him out for about forty days.
SKRINIAR’S HEIR – Now, Pavard is chasing the Serie A title to become an Italian champion, a goal already achieved by his predecessor Milan Skriniar. Skriniar, who has not performed as well at Paris Saint-Germain, where he moved on a free transfer. Inter regrets not selling him a year earlier, which might have given them the funds to compete with Juventus in the race for the Brazilian Gleison Bremer. The past cannot be changed; it’s better to focus on the present and enjoy Pavard, who has reversed opinions about him and is convincing everyone: “I don’t play football for money but to win and celebrate with teammates and fans.” No wonder he is a World Champion.
