5 Inter Milan players who impressed the most in the 2018-19 Italian Serie A season

The 2018-19 Serie A season has already witnessed some intriguing contests and as the season enters the final phase, the race for the title will get much tighter. Juventus are at the top of the table with 66 points while Napoli is at the 2nd position with 53 points.

When we compare Inter Milan’s performance with these two teams, Luciano Spalletti’s side hasn’t done badly. Inter Milan is currently at the 3rd position with 46 points and has looked a much better side then the last season. Their midfield has functioned quite well, while their forward line has also looked much more intense.

The team has to show much more cohesion in the defense which manager Spalletti thinks could make his side much more robust. He had expressed disappointment when his side couldn’t make it to the knock out rounds of the Champions League but has claimed that they will try to put up a good show in the next season.

The 59-year-old has been optimistic about his side’s chances of finishing in the top 4 in the ongoing Serie A season. Although winning the Serie A title looks a tough ask for the Black and Blues, the team needs to perform consistently in order to finish in the top 4. Inter Milan won their Europa League game against Rapid Wien on 22nd February which might do their confidence a world of good.

Inter Milan has looked a balanced outfit for the last 2 to 3 seasons but they still need to work on certain areas. Luciano Spalletti and the team management have taken some important decisions as far as the team formation is concerned and it will be interesting to see how the team shapes up in the upcoming fixtures.

Spalletti has expressed confidence in the team’s abilities and the players are enjoying his confidence. The team is looking much more competitive but still need to show much more fluidity in their approach.

Inter Milan has got a perfect mix of youth and experience and is going through a rebuilding phase. The team could surely be a challenging opponent in the future if it plays to its capabilities.

Inter Milan has got some very exciting players in the dugout who have produced some eye-catching performances this season. We take look at 5 such players who have impressed the most in the 2018-19 season.

#1 Mauro Icardi

Mauro Icardi has been a huge part of Inter's attack.

Mauro Icardi has been the guiding force in Inter Milan’s forward line along with Ivan Perisic. Known for his attacking style of play Icardi can be deadly with his accelerating pace and superlative finishes. The 26-year-old has infused a lot of energy in the team.

The Argentine has been a big threat because of his electric counter attacks and his ability to outclass the best defenses with his darting runs. Icardi is a kind of player who can turn a match on his day with his individual brilliance.

His coordination with Keita Balde Diao and Matteo Politano has been crucial in the forward line. The striker is also known for giving his 100 percent on the field and it this attitude which has probably guided his teammates to give their best especially during pressure situations.

In the ongoing Serie A season, Icardi has netted 9 goals in 20 games with 2 assists to his name. He has also registered 4 goals in 6 Champions League games this season. Icardi is currently out of the squad because of an injury and Inter Milan fans will be hoping for his quick return. Icardi has been an impactful player for the Black and Blues and his presence can surely make a big difference when he returns.

#2 Keita Balde

23-year-old Keita Balde offers stability within the front ranks of the team.

Keita Balde has always been known for being technically strong and offers a lot of variety in this Inter Milan outfit. The 23-year-old has amazed everyone with pace and speed. His partnership with Ivan Perisic and Mauro Icardi has been a crucial factor for Inter Milan.

The Senegalese offers a lot of stability in the forward line and can be a reliable option while playing against sides which are defensively stronger. The former Monaco player has all the attributes of a striker and has the ability to win the ball from the opposition. Known for his unpredictability, Balde can surprise any opponent with his aggressive and penetrative runs.

Balde can also be a handful for his ability to keep the ball in possession. The striker can also work well in the flanks and has proved his class with his precise long passes. Known for his creativity, Balde can open up the opposition’s defense with his one-touch passes.

Balde has also scored 4 goals in 17 Serie A games this season with 3 assists to his name. The youngster is an exciting talent and is considered one of the best forwards of the current generation in European football.

#3 Lautaro Martinez

The creative Martinez adds variety and creativity to Inter's midfield.

Lautaro Martinez is one of those players who adds a lot of variety in this Inter Milan outfit because of his creativity. Martinez can also be used as an attacking option because of his ability to move forward with his attacking runs.

The Argentine has always been appreciated for his hard-working traits on the field and his never say die attitude. The 21-year-old can keep any attack in check with his powerful tackles and brave interceptions.

Martinez is a precious talent who has looked promising since his arrival at the club. The youngster certainly has got enough time in his hands to develop himself as a player by playing alongside some of the greats of the game.

The former Racing Club player has played a crucial role during critical junctures for Inter Milan and Luciano Spalletti will be hoping the midfielder shows his capabilities whenever the side needs him to in the season going ahead.

Martinez can be a tough nut to crack because of his ability to shut out the best attacks with his clever interceptions. The midfielder has also showcased his quality while operating at the flanks and has looked sharp with his clever passes. Martinez has also contributed with 4 goals and 1 assist in 17 Serie A games in the current season.

# 4 Ivan Perisic

Perisic has been vital alongside Icardi this season.

After an eventful campaign in last year’s World Cup in Russia, Perisic has continued with his decent run of form. The Croatian has been a vital component in Inter Milan’s forward line alongside Mauro Icardi.

The 30-year-old has been quite handy with his ability to evade the opposition’s defense with his fearless runs and creative dribbles. Perisic has always been a clever operator during set pieces and can be a tricky player during the run of play.

Inter Milan fans and manager Luciano Spaletti will be hoping the striker continues with his good run of form. Perisic is a busy player on the field and has proved his worth during pressure situations.

Perisic can also frustrate any defense because of his ability to keep the ball in possession. The striker has got loads of experience of playing against some of the powerhouses of European football which has certainly helped some of his younger teammates.

Perisic has also looked threatening because of his ability to score goals from difficult positions. He can also provide a much-needed fluency in the midfield. The former Borussia Dortmund player has scored 3 goals in 21 Serie A games this season with 3 assists to his name.

# 5 Radja Nainggolan

Nainggolan may have been left out at the World Cup, but he's certainly a big part of Inter.

Radja Nainggolan expressed his disappointment when he was left out of the World Cup squad in Russia, but the 30-year-old will be raring to end the season with some determined performances.

Nainggolan is considered to be amongst the best midfielders in Europe because of his ability to play offensively as well as defensively. The Belgian’s presence has infused a lot of dynamism in the midfield because of his quick and fast moves.

The midfielder is also known for his ability to move in goal scoring positions which have unsettled the opposition’s defense. Nainggolan can also be handy for his ability to create chances and can win the ball from the opposition.

Nainggolan looked out form mid-season but has been a vital component in the midfield because of his ability to circulate the ball with some clever passes. Nainggolan can also keep the ball in possession with his smart moves. Naingollan has shown that he can be a big match player on his day if he plays to his capabilities.

Although Nainggolan has only scored 3 goals in 17 Serie A this season, but he still remains a big threat inside the box. His combination with forwards Icardi and Perisic will be crucial in the season going ahead.