Materazzi: If I were a coach, I would always play Perisic

Inter Milan midfielder Ivan Perisic is one of the club’s most dangerous players, according to former defender Marco Materazzi.

Perisic, 29, has been at the club since 2015 having joined from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg and has proven to be one of the most dependable players in Serie A.

A member of the Croatian national team, Perisic was also key in his country’s run as they became World Cup runners-up this summer, scoring three goals including one in the final defeat to France.

And, former Inter man Materazzi has revealed that were he the coach, he would always play Perisic.

“If I were the coach, I’d always play Perisic,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia).

“If he can punt the ball forward and chase after it, he’ll kill you. Inter are also strong on set plays not only because there are some really tall players, but also they are able to distribute the spaces in the box very well between them.”

Inter have enjoyed a good start to the new season, currently sitting fourth in Serie A behind only Napoli, Lazio and early runaway leaders Juventus.

READ MORE: A combined XI made up of current AC Milan and Inter players

The Nerazzurri have also transferred their domestic form to the Champions League, winning both of their opening games so far including a 2-1 win over Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur via a late comeback. They are currently joint-top of their group alongside Barcelona whom they play in midweek.

However, up next for Inter is the Milan Derby against arch-rivals AC Milan on Sunday evening.

Another Perisic admirer

Materazzi is not the first man to come out and praise Perisic, with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho also previously highlighting the abilities of the Croatian.

Perisic has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, with United always the favourites for his signature.

And, speaking in July, after Perisic’s role in Croatia’s World Cup run, Mourinho admitted he was surprised the Inter Milan winger didn’t link up with him at United.

“Perisic is the kind of winger that is different to the others,” Mourinho said.

“Normally you look at wingers and they are just fast and creative. But he is also physical, very physical. Fantastic in the air.

“So the way he wins that ball in the air and puts the ball into that space is only possible if you are very, very physical and dominant over defenders.

“I don’t know why he didn’t come to Manchester when I wanted him.”

The post Materazzi: If I were a coach, I would always play Perisic appeared first on Squawka News.

From Squawka NewsSquawka News https://ift.tt/2J8851X