Inter Milan had a decent 2022–23 season as the team managed to reach the UEFA Champions League final. The season didn’t end in a fairy tale for the Italian club, as they lost to Manchester City. Inter shifted their focus to the new season and were looking to make some changes to their new squad. Their primary task heading into the 2023–24 season was to find a striking partner for Lautaro Martinez. Romelu Lukaku was the top priority for them, but the negotiations with Chelsea never went through, and the signing didn’t happen.
The Nerrazzurri instead bought French international footballer Marcus Thuram. The 26-year-old came from Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer. The Frenchman has made a sudden impact on the team, and here is a look at how Thuram’s addition has been a gain for the favourites to win the Serie A 2023–24 title.
Impactful striker
Inter Milan play in a 3-5-2 formation, with fullbacks dictating a lot of plays. Marcus Thuram is a natural left-sided forward who can also take the centre role. The two strikers at the top of Inter’s attack play next to each other. By looking at his progressive runs chart of Thuram, we can observe that he has covered both sides of the pitch, but his box-penetrating progressive runs have been attempted either from the left side or the centre.
Marcus Thuram is finding his touch and linking plays with his new teammates. The forward has already assisted Martinez and Dumfries in this campaign. This is what Inzaghi will demand more of the Frenchman in the coming games: linking play, creating, and scoring goals.
The player’s impact doesn’t end here. He has already registered two goals for the Italian club. Thuram attempted 11 shots, and four were on target. He has found space in front of the goal and converted a couple of chances. The striker has missed two glorious chances inside the six-yard box and will look to capitalise on these moments in the future.
First taste of Milan Derby
Marcus Thuram played 63 minutes in his first Milan Derby, and he won’t forget his first goal against the rivals. The Frenchman had three chances to score a goal, and he converted probably the most difficult one. Thuram scored the second goal for his side in a famous 5-1 win over the arch-rivals.
Dzeko’s ideal replacement?
Edin Dzeko is an experienced striker who has won quite a few trophies for the clubs he has represented. He was a prolific scorer during his peak and earned respect in various European leagues. Replacing him and Lukaku won’t be an easy task for Thuram.
The above viz compares the stats of these two players from last season according to their percentile rank. Dzeko was more impactful, but Thuram edged him with his defensive work and speed. Looking at the current scenario, Thuram has made an impact and is looking like an ideal replacement for him.
Last season, Thuram scored 13 goals with a decent accuracy rate of 48.2% in the Bundesliga. His accuracy is one of the reasons why he is becoming a regular on the French national team. Inter Milan will also hope that Thuram continues his good run and makes more impact in the busy season ahead.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
