New Delhi: With the defending champions Inter Milan lined up to face Schalke 04 in the quarter-finals, we decided to focus the spotlight on the engine-room of the Nerazzuri.
Samuel Eto'o
The Cameroon hitman has been nothing short of a clinical poacher for the Nerazzuri. Scoring goals at will and from unimaginable angles, he was one of ex-boss Jose Mourinho's most trusted aide when Inter wanted to go for the jugular. With screeching pace and a right foot to die for, he will be a crucial determinant if Inter have any hopes of retaining the title and creating history. Another added pressure will be to pre-dominantly take charge of all the goal-scoring duties in the absence of the Brazilian Diego Milito. With the European Golden Boot in his sights after leading the charts with 8 goals in the Champions League, the Italians will certainly be banking on the goal count to increase.
Wesley Sneijder
There is not yardstick which can measure the importance what Wesley Sineijder means to the Inter. The Dutchman is the heart of a midfield which depends on his vision and sudden bursts of pace to spring creativity. In a team which is primarily defence based with the Cambiasso and Stanjkovic guarding the back 4, it is upto the creative midfielder to bomb forward with Goran Pandev. It is his foresight and sublime skill which gives leeway to the Cameroon hitman Eto'o to express himself.
Christian Chivu
The Protective head gear that Christian Chivu wears goes a long way in suggesting what kind of a character he is on the field. The Romianian captain has been nothing short of influential in Inter's charge towards reclaiming Europe's top prize. Despite long-term nose and head injuries, there is never a half-hearted challenge or clearance from the left-back. After Walter Samuel's injury ruling him out for the entire season. the Romanian understands his role in the team and has stepped up to shore up the Milan goal.
Lucio
Easily the best central defender in EUrope on current form. His performance for the Italian club makes every manager a great admirer of the legendary Brazilian. With an Ox-like defensive charge, Lucio can stun opponents with his pace despite being all of 32 years. His infamous blocks against Barcelona and his pin-point sliding tackleswere what kept Inter in the competition agianst the Catalans at the Camp Nou. The Samba boy will have to be at his best to stop a free-flying Jefferson Farfan and the wily Raul Gonzalez.
Comments
0 comment