For the last month it seems as though Italy has been obsessed with the saga that has involved Romelu Lukaku and his ‘betrayal’ of his apparent love, Inter. The papers have been trying to guess his every move and like in some soap opera, it seems as though he may even end up with the Nerazzurri’s rivals, The Old Lady. Many have stated that Inter are somewhat lacking up front and it is true they still need one more player. However, it seems as if the signing of Marcus Thuram has gone under the radar, and he could be the perfect replacement.
At the time of writing it looks like Juventus are trying to orchestrate a loan move for the Belgian, similar to that which Inter had agreed last season. This would allow them to keep major assets like Dusan Vlahovic and still strengthen their front line. This will not go down well in the black and blue half of Milan, as it will be seen as the ultimate betrayal, something that the Inter ultras have certainly let Romelu know.
It resembles something a cheap TV soap may drag up and yet it is happening. Inter will probably not be overly concerned once they accept the indignity of it all. Romelu was not the same player he was under Antonio Conte, injuries aside he did not seem to fit into what Simone Inzaghi wanted to do. There were even rumours of an end of season bust up between the coach and the Belgian striker, as fuelled by ex-Nerazzurri custodian Sebastien Frey.
Whilst Inter are still active in the transfer market for a forward and more importantly two goalkeepers, they are not exactly stuck when it comes to attacking options and not enough has been made of the arrival of Marcus Thuram. His acquisition may be an extremely clever one, as he could easily surpass the 10 league goals scored by Romelu last campaign.
Thuram is from an elite sporting background. His father is the iconic defender Lilian Thuram, who played for Monaco, Parma, Juventus and Barcelona. A World Cup and European Championship winner, Lilian Thuram is the perfect mentor to guide both Marcus and younger brother Khephren, currently playing for OGC Nice. Just having a famous father does not mean that you will make it. Needless to say, Marcus has already established himself and at 25 years of age it is the perfect time for him to move to Serie A.
After his spell in the Bundesliga, where he played over 110 games for Borussia Monchengladbach, he let his contract run down and moved to the Nerazzurri. Thuram, renowned for playing out on the left wing, has been slowly evolving into a Number 9 and he has all the qualities to do so. This is where he has been used so far in pre-season and it might continue once the campaign kicks off.
Thuram is deceptive and this is his first advantage. At 6’4” tall, he looks like he might be gangly and somewhat awkward, but not so. He is extremely quick and very strong, making it hard for defenders to knock him off the ball. His step is firm, as he has a top centre of gravity, and this allows him to explode like a sprinter. Admittedly, he is still learning in this position and he is not at the elite level yet, but he is not far off. His speciality is when he comes deep and can run at defenders, as he has the opportunity to size them up, and he will be superb when Inter counter attack.
He has the ability to become a very dynamic Number 9 and he is also good with his back to goal. His passing may need some improvement, but Inter have managed to get a talent who is close to crossing the line into becoming elite. Just remember, Lautaro was not there when he first joined, yet look at him now.
Inter have managed to pick up a prestigious talent at a maturing age of 25 on a free transfer. This is almost unheard of. He may not be the best ‘off the ball threat’ but on it he will cause havoc and he should fit the system that Inzaghi employs. Inter fans take note, it might be better to look at what the club have brought in rather than what they have not. Thuram could be in for a big season.
Twitter: @RichHall80
Great piece Richard, thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Richard, for bringing optimism.