At 30 years of age, Hakan Çalhanoğlu has already suited up for the likes of Hamburger SV, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan, and today, he’s staking a claim as one of the finest midfielders in the game for Inter Milan. Çalhanoğlu’s only league title came in 2012/13, when he won the 3. Liga Player of the Season and led Karlsuher SC to the German third tier, but now, he has Inter on course to win their first Scudetto in three years.

It has been nothing short of a historic campaign for Inter, who have won 24 and drawn three of their 28 league matches, scoring 70 goals and conceding 13. After suffering various key departures such as André Onana, Romelu Lukaku, Edin Džeko and Milan Škriniar, Inter have gone up another level under Simone Inzaghi and look set for yet another deep European campaign, following last season’s run to the UEFA Champions League Final.

Federico Dimarco vs. Atalanta:

-1 goal
-25/31 passes completed
-1 key pass
-2 shots on target
-2 shots off target
-3/5 long balls completed
-1 tackle
-1/2 ground duels won
-1 clearance@GCaltabanis takes a deep look at the rise of Inter’s left wing-back: https://t.co/YbfrU3fpxz pic.twitter.com/P3vFZCzVq2

— Breaking The Lines (@BTLvid) February 28, 2024

Crucial to their Scudetto charge has been the scintillating form of their German-born, Turkish international midfield maestro. Çalhanoğlu has made waves at the Nerazzurri, who find themselves 16 points clear with 10 matches remaining, and following the departure of Marcelo Brozović, he has continued his transition from attacking midfielder to deep-lying playmaker at the base of Inter’s midfield trio. Today, we’ll be delving into his dynamic style of play and impressive statistical contributions.

Goal-Scoring Prowess

Çalhanoğlu has been a goal-scoring force in Serie A, finding the back of the net 9 times in 24 appearances. The clinical nature of his finishing is highlighted by an expected goal (xG) of 7.3, suggesting an efficiency in converting goal-scoring opportunities. This proficiency has undoubtedly added a crucial dimension to Inter’s attacking prowess.

Playmaking Brilliance

Beyond goal-scoring, Çalhanoğlu has showcased his playmaking brilliance with 3 assists in Serie A. However, the story goes beyond mere numbers. His expected assists (xAG) stand at an impressive 3.9, indicating that his influence in creating goal-scoring opportunities extends beyond what the assist count suggests. This versatility makes him a dual threat, capable of both scoring and setting up his teammates.

Champions League Heroics

In the Champions League, Çalhanoğlu may have played fewer minutes, but he made his presence felt with a crucial goal. His involvement in shot-creating actions (SCA) showcases his ability to influence attacking plays even in limited game time. As Inter Milan navigates through European competition, Çalhanoğlu’s contributions become increasingly valuable.

4. Despite resting starters like Marcus Thuram, Francesco Acerbi, and Matteo Darmian, Inter beat Genoa 2-1 to move 15 points clear in first.

Nicolò Barella proved vital with 7/10 long balls completed, 4 fouls won and 1 penalty won.@vitodoriacalcio:https://t.co/8jBIQv3UUW pic.twitter.com/kBAYUXXF18

— Breaking The Lines (@BTLvid) March 5, 2024

Efficiency Metrics

Analyzing expected metrics provides further insight into Çalhanoğlu’s efficiency. Exceeding his expected goals (xG) in Serie A suggests that he has been clinical in front of goal, capitalizing on high-quality scoring chances. These metrics underline his ability to make the most of opportunities, translating them into tangible contributions for the team.

Creativity in Numbers

Çalhanoğlu’s involvement in shot-creating actions (SCA) and goal-creating actions (GCA) reveals his creativity and influence in the attacking third. With 83 SCA in Serie A, he has played a pivotal role in building up attacking plays, showcasing a comprehensive impact beyond direct goal contributions.

Conclusion

In summary, Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s presence at Inter Milan during the 2023-2024 season has been marked by a blend of goal-scoring prowess and playmaking brilliance. His efficiency in front of goal, coupled with an ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates, has solidified his position as a key figure in Inter’s attacking setup. As the season progresses, Çalhanoğlu’s contributions are poised to play a crucial role in Inter Milan’s pursuit of success in both domestic and international competitions.

By: Egy Dwi Kurnianto / @egydwikrnt

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / NurPhoto