Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi admits he ‘must improve in the build-up’ to become a regular starter at the Stadio Meazza and says Marcus Thuram didn’t seem ‘so technical’ during the pre-season.
Frattesi released an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport after scoring a goal in a 4-0 victory at the Stadio Via Del Mare in Lecce on Sunday.
The Italian midfielder is not a regular starter but has collected five goals and five assists in 29 appearances across all competitions this season.
He joined Inter from Sassuolo on loan with an obligation to buy last summer.
“I prefer to win possession than score goals, but it’s always nice to find the net,” he said.
“It’s even better to do so in a team where everyone is involved and Simone Inzaghi deserves credit for this. He didn’t lose anyone even when there were little rotations. He came to talk to motivate us. He made us feel important, which is what counts.
“I didn’t think I’d be a starter straight away. It would have been stupid to believe it,” he continued.
“100% of midfielders would not be a guaranteed starter here. It’s normal to go on the bench, it’s a chance to grow and a different attitude would affect me. I’ve never regretted joining Inter.”
So, where does he need to improve to become a regular starter at Inter?
“I think I am an intense, modern midfielder, but I need to follow a pathway. If I want to become a regular starter, I must improve in the build-up,” he replied.
“The role model is Nicolò Barella. He was a box-to-box midfielder, but with work, he’s improved the ball management. I must do the same.”
The Nerazzurri are the runaway Serie A leaders with a nine-point lead over second-placed Juventus and a game in hand. They also beat Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 last week. What’s the atmosphere in the dressing room?
“Everyone has a role in this team. Arna behind the scenes…now he must pay,” said Frattesi.
“Before the Atletico game, he, Asllani, Carlos Augusto, and I decided that whoever scores makes a gift for the other three. We are waiting for Arna, but then I’ll be my turn too after Lecce.”
Is there a player who has surprised him in his first season at Inter?
“Thuram didn’t seem so technical during the pre-season, but he transformed when the campaign started. His technique is impressive.”