Ever Banega ticks all the right boxes for Inter Milan

Ever Banega ticks all the right boxes for Inter Milan

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The Argentine claimed the move to be official prior to his nation’s Copa América Centenario victory over Chile earlier in the week, and it could prove to be an astute signing.

Éver Banega’s transfer is expected to be announced imminently, and it would help fill a sizable hole that has been apparent in this Inter Milan squad since the sale of Mateo Kovacic to Real Madrid in August last year.

Indeed, Roberto Mancini’s side has been in dire need of creativity flowing from the midfield, and lacking a genuine playmaker in the squad’s ranks does little to solve that dilemma.

Marcelo Brozovic stepped up and had an impressive season for the Nerazzurri, however, he was unable to shoulder the creative burden completely. Consequently, the Milanese club recorded the lowest goals scored tally in Serie A’s top five with just 50. Fifth place Fiorentina, by contrast, recorded a total of 60 goals, while champions Juventus netted 75 times and Napoli and AS Roma hit the back of the net on 80 and 83 occasions respectively.

It could be argued Inter’s squad in 2015-16 was near complete. Good options in defence with João Miranda and Jeison Murillo made a formidable partnership at the heart of the back-four, decent talent and depth in the positions screening the defence and out on the wings with Ivan Perišic hitting sublime form towards the season’s end, and the joint-top-scorer in Serie A in the campaign prior – Mauro Icardi – leading the line. The only missing piece to the puzzle was someone to slot in alongside Brozovic in the middle of midfield and pull the strings. Banega is a man who does just that.

Usually deployed as a deep-lying-playmaker, but also very effective operating as a No.10, the former Valencia man would be the player in the side to launch nearly all Nerazzurri forays forward. Banega’s invention combined with Brozovic’s energy and attacking impetus would be a frightening prospect for opposition players. Icardi would be unleashed more often than was the case in the season that just passed, and Inter’s reliance on Perišic would not be as apparent. Roberto Mancini’s side would be able to play through the centre rather than always opting to go out wide to start attacks. The 27-year-old’s incoming arrival essentially gives the side a much needed new dimension up front.

Despite making just 25 La Liga appearances in 2015-16 due to injury and squad rotation for Sevilla’s Europa League run, the Argentine accrued the highest amount of chances created for his side in La Liga with 44. Next in line is Michael Krohn-Dehli with 35. As well as this, Banega boasts an impressive pass completion rate of 84% per match, with 79% of these forward passes, which would complement Inter’s high-possession game under their 51-year-old manager whilst adding a certain drive in attack that has been lacking.

Not only this, but an extra goal threat would be added with this acquisition. The skillful midfielder strikes the ball with superb technique, possessing a fearsome shot from distance. Banega scored five goals in the Spanish top-flight during the season, and his recent showing with the Albiceleste against Chile proves he may alleviate the pressure on Icardi and Perišic to continuously find the back of the net for the Nerazzurri.

The former Boca Juniors man has more than one facet to his game, however, also contributing defensively to great effect. Although not his expertise, the playmaker attempts his share of tackles throughout a match, undoubtedly a feature of his game Mancini would be keen to utilise. A midfield three consisting of Geoffrey Kondogbia – screening the back-four – Brozovic and Banega would be fluid, decisive, explosive and solid. The aforementioned Kondogbia would also be operating in his best position and would enjoy more commanding performances if this was the case.

What makes the Argentine’s potential signing even more shrewd is the fact Internazionale will be picking him up for free. Banega reportedly agreed a pre-contractual arrangement with the Milanese club prior to him fulfilling a clause in his contract whereby reaching a certain amount of appearances for Sevilla during the recent campaign would have seen him sign on for an additional year with the Andalusian side. Such a deal means Inter have gained an extraordinary talent in a position that is short of just that whilst still remaining within the parameters of Financial Fair Play.

Mancini and Inter Milan do not have the best track record in regards to signings in recent times – Felipe Melo being a prime example of this – however the signing of midfield maestro Banega is a massive step in the right direction for the Nerazzurri as they gear up for a busy 2016-17 with high expectations.

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