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Inter Milan are a resurgent force in Italian football. Last season, they ended Juventus' nine-season domestic dominance to win their first Serie A title in 11 years.
After a slow start to their current campaign, plagued by the sale of key players like Romelu Lukaku, Simone Inzaghi's men look set to defend their title. They lead their city rivals AC Milan and AS Roma by four points and have a game in hand.
In the Champions League, they have a blockbuster Round of 16 clash with Liverpool to look forward to. Meanwhile, they meet AS Roma for a place in the Coppa Italia semis.
Inter's recent resurgence has a lot to do with smart acquisitions in the transfer market in the last few years. They have seldom splurged, yet they've assembled a very competitive roster comprising quality players.
On that note, here's a look at the five most valuable players at Inter Milan at the moment:
#5 Stefan de Vrij - €45 million
Stefan de Vrij has been a key player for the Nerazzurri since his arrival from Lazio on a free transfer in the summer of 2018.
The 29-year-old centre-back has made nearly 150 appearances across competitions for Inter and has also contributed eight goals and six assists. De Vrij showcased his ball-playing prowess in Inter's league-winning campaign last season.
However, there has been an impasse between player and club over a contract extension. De Vrij, who runs out of contract next summer, reportedly wants a pay hike, but Inter haven't yet accepted the same.
#4 Alessandro Bastoni - €60 million
Alessandro Bastoni is one of the best young centre-backs in the Italian top flight at the moment.
Still only 22, the Euro 2020 winner has racked up over 100 appearances across competitions for the Nerazzurri, contributing three goals and eight assists. Bastoni has particularly impressed with his ball-playing ability from the back.
He dished out seven moves that resulted in goals in Inter's triumphant 2020-21 Serie A-winning campaign.
Former Inter Milan player Luigi Di Biaggio recently hailed Bastoni, saying:
“It was difficult to make a mistake with him; today I think he is among the best defenders in Europe for defensive qualities and in the setting phase. He will be a leader of the national team for a long time."
#3 Milan Skiriniar - €65 million
Milan Skriniar has been a solid performer for Inter Milan since his arrival from Sampdoria in the summer of 2017.
The 26-year-old centre-back has made nearly 200 appearances across competitions for the Nerazzurri, bagging 11 goals and four assists. Skriniar contributed three goals in Inter's triumphant Serie A campaign last season.
He has kept up his good form this campaign as well. The Slovakian has netted three times in the league to help the holders stay four points clear of second-placed Napoli, albeit with a game in hand.
He is contracted with the Nerazzurri till next summer, but is not averse to the idea of seeking a new challenge elsewhere. The likes of PSG, Real Madrid and Manchester United are interested in his services. Skriniar recently said in this regard:
“A new experience abroad is never a bad thing, but having said that, I am very happy at Inter and living in Milan. I am not thinking about leaving, I’m happy here. You never know what might happen, though. We haven’t yet talked about a renewal, as my contract runs to 2023."
Manager Simeone Inzaghi would want to tie his star man to a new contract to ward off potential suitors.
#2 Nicolo Barella - €70 million
Nicolo Barella is one of the best midfielders in the Italian top flight at the moment. Still only 24, the Euro 2020 winner has already racked up over 100 appearances across competitions for the Nerazzurri.
He has scored only nine times in this period, including two this season, but has provided an impressive 29 assists. Last campaign, he played a key role in the Nerazzurri's Serie A triumph, bagging three goals and nine assists.
Considering his impact at the club, Inter extended their contract with Barella until 2026. The player has also been touted as the next Nerazzurri captain.
Barella will hope to continue his stellar exploits with the league leaders as Inter Milan seek to successfully defend their title.
#1 Lautaro Martinez - €80 million
Lautaro Martinez has been worth his weight in gold since his arrival at Inter in the summer of 2018.
The 24-year-old has made over 150 appearances across competitions for Inter Milan, bagging 61 goals and 22 assists. He contributed 17 goals and 12 assists in their triumphant Serie A campaign last season.
Following the departure of Romelu Lukaku last summer, Martinez has upped the ante. He is now up to 12 goals for the season in 28 appearances, with 11 of them coming in the league.
The Copa America 2021 winner recently extended his contract with the Milan-based club till 2026. Martinez is now the top earner at Inter Milan.
