Hernan Crespo takes a close look at the comparisons and differences between Inter striker Lautaro Martinez and his fellow Argentina international Diego Milito, explaining where the current forward can still improve.
Lautaro Martinez was instrumental in the 3-3 Champions League draw at Camp Nou that put them on the verge of qualification for the Round of 16 at the expense of Barcelona.
El Toro also then reached 62 Serie A goals, equalling the tally achieved by El Principe during his top flight Italian career.
With that in mind, La Gazzetta dello Sport asked former Inter and Argentina striker Crespo to compare the two centre-forwards with votes out of 10 for their characteristics.
“Milito has 9 for his power in the air, Lautaro 8. Thanks also to his height, but more for his positioning and reading of crosses, Diego knew how to be in the right place to receive the ball. He was a master of that, whereas Lautaro is more instinctive and cannot leap as high.
“Milito has 8.5 for his right foot, Lautaro 9. El Principe had great technique, but Toro is lethal both inside and outside the box, so can shoot from any position and pretty much always get it on target.
“Lautaro also wins for the left foot, 8.5 to 8. It wasn’t Milito’s favoured foot, but Toro doesn’t seem to have a difference between the right and left, even from distance.”
In terms of dribbling, Crespo had both strikers on 9 out of 10, but Milito got the nod in terms of their goal instinct, 9.5 to 8.5.
“Milito had the goal in his mind and didn’t even have to look at where the ‘keeper was, he just knew where to put the ball. Lautaro is a little less consistent, sometimes can take time out. He’s an atypical centre-forward and can also play as a support striker, so is better with assists.
“When it comes to leadership, Milito gets 9, Lautaro 8. Principe knew how to inspire the whole team. He was a silent leader, but was respected and his voice really had weight in that locker room. In that sense, Lautaro still needs to improve,” explained Crespo.
“He is still young and needs to bring all his character out to become a true leader. For now, he still relies heavily on the squad.”
Before the breakthrough in Barcelona, Lautaro Martinez had failed to find the net in eight consecutive games in all competitions, but has now scored in back-to-back matches between Serie A and the Champions League.