2009-10 Transfer Report Card: How Good Were Inter's Signings?
With the season nearing its end, Goal.com's Adam Scime assesses how the Nerazzurri’s new signings fared in their first season, and whether the club got it right or wrong in the transfer market...
Inter have been hit-and-miss over the last few seasons on the market in their quest to find players that will lead them to Champions League glory. Having already conquered the domestic scene since Calciopoli, the club decided it was time for several personnel changes after failing yet again in Europe in 2008-09.
Out the door went superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a player exchange deal worth €66 million and a whole new slew of players were brought in as coach Jose Mourinho looked to create his Inter. But did these new arrivals sink or swim?
IN: Diego Milito (Genoa), Thiago Motta (Genoa), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona), Marko Arnautovic (Twente), Wesley Sneijder (Real Madrid), Goran Pandev (Lazio), McDonaldo Mariga (Parma).
OUT: Hernan Crespo (contract expired), Julio Cruz (contract expired), Luis Figo (retired) Nicolas Burdisso (Roma), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona), Maxwell (Barcelona), David Suazo (Genoa), Patrick Vieira (Manchester City), Luis Jimenez (Parma), Victor Obinna (Malaga), Jonathan Biabiany (Parma), Robert Acquafresca (Genoa), Nelson Rivas (Livorno), Amantino Mancini (Milan)
Diego Milito: A
At first many questioned the decision to give away young Italian striker Robert Acquafresca as part of the deal to fetch the 30-year-old, but it soon became apparent that ‘Il Principe’ brings plenty more to the table and is of the highest class of striker. The Argentine has been prolific since the summer and is the club’s top goalscorer in 2009-10.
Wesley Sneijder: A
One of the real coups of the summer was the Dutchman. Deemed as ‘damaged goods’ at the Santiago Bernabeu, Inter snapped up the playmaker at the 11th hour and he’s sparkled for them ever since. If the Nerazzurri have a missing link, it is no longer the trequartista position, because the Ajax prodigy has convincingly made it his own and also provides a set-piece threat.
Goran Pandev: A-
The winter also proved to be a positive period for the Beneamata and they added some much needed depth up front with the free acquisition of Goran Pandev, who left Lazio after a legal dispute. The Macedonian international has excellent ball control and vision and took no time to settle, contributing both goals and assists immediately.
Lucio: B+
The veteran Brazilian has put in some dazzling and dominant centre-back performances in both Serie A and the Champions League (key matches against Dynamo Kiev and Chelsea come to mind) and the only, very minimal, downside to his transfer is that he is an ageing commodity. However, he has clearly improved the already formidable backline – arguably giving Inter the best defence on the continent.
Samuel Eto’o: B
The established Cameroon international came in exchange from Barcelona as part of the Ibrahimovic deal and you could hardly ask for a more experienced or crafty replacement. The African has had his rough patches in terms of form, but is always willing and able to work. Furthermore, his pedigree in front of goal cannot be questioned, as he has scored some very crucial strikes this season.
McDonald Mariga: B
The Kenyan was brought in from Parma this winter, as Inter beat Manchester City to the punch. His playing time has been limited so far, but the central midfielder is definitely one for the future and a better option than the clumsy Sulley Muntari or past it Patrick Vieira.
Thiago Motta: C+
Another who arrived in the massive deal with Genoa, the former Barcelona man has often found himself starting from the bench. He is a rotation player for the Nerazzurri so far, who adds an element of control in midfield.
Marko Arnautovic: F
The Austrian international starlet may well return to Twente, as Mourinho has often looked reluctant to use him despite his recovery from a broken foot. Only a handful of appearances suggest his days with the club are numbered and his loan was a bust, meaning no permanent deal will be completed.
Others
Ricardo Quaresma: E
Nothing has changed for the Portuguese winger since returning from his unsuccessful loan spell at Chelsea. A fixture on the bench, only used in cases of injury or as a late throw of the dice by ‘The Special One’. His reputation continues to degrade and the Beneamata will be hopeful of finally offloading him later this year.
FINAL GRADE: A-
As opposed to last season, Inter were incredibly shrewd with their dealings in 2009-10. Deadweights like Mancini, Vieira, Suazo, Obinna, Rivas and Burdisso have at least temporarily been dealt with or offloaded.
Now Barcelona duo Ibrahimovic and Maxwell were useful players, but their departures allowed the overall team to become a much stronger unit as all areas of the squad that needed improvement were fine-tuned to a certain degree.
With the exception of Arnautovic, the new components have all added something in terms of extra value and been among the best acquisitions in Serie A, if not Europe. If Inter can keep these trends going, it bodes well for them in the future and they may indeed challenge for top honours on the continent.
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