Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella believes Hakan Calhanoglu is the best midfielder in Serie A and ‘perhaps the best in the world.’
Calhanoglu has been playing a key role at Inter this season scoring seven goals in 17 appearances across all competitions and delivering one assist.
The Turkish midfielder scored five of his six Serie A goals from the spot, while his only goal from open play came in last week’s 3-0 win over Napoli at the Stadio Maradona.
The former Milan star has become an idol in the black and blue side of the Navigli and was praised by his national team coach Montella on Thursday.
The Aeroplanino attended the Premio Euro Mediterraneo in Rome and told reporters: “To me, he [Calhanoglu] surely is the best midfielder in Italy currently and perhaps the best in the world.”
Montela said he is following all Turkish players in Serie A, including Roma‘s Celik and Juventus‘ Yildiz.
The latter has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool lately and Montella was asked if the 18-year-old should stay in Turin or leave, on loan or permanently, to get more playing time.
“I don’t know,” he replied smiling.
“Surely, I hope he can play consistently. One can grow even by not playing at Juventus. These are decisions I am not entitled to make.”
Thank goodness he manages in Turkey. What a ridiculous thing to say!