Milan Skriniar showed why he is one of Europe’s most-promising centre-backs with a committed display in a 1-1 Champions League draw against Barcelona.
The visitors in Group B dominated possession and attempts, but struggled to create glaring opportunities thanks – in part – to the Slovakia international’s spirited performance. This contrasted the uncharacteristically meek outing, for club and player, in the preceding match in Spain.
A goalless draw seemed certain on Tuesday, only for substitute Malcom to lash a low effort home in the 83rd minute. Argentina centre forward Mauro Icardi then swiveled on a loose ball in the 87th minute to place through the legs of helpless Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen – this was the host’s only attempt on target.
Here, we analyse the performance of the coveted star.
STATISTICS
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Shots – 0
Shots on target – 0
Touches – 50
Passes – 32
Tackles – 6
Clearances – 5
Interceptions – 0
30-SECOND REPORT
Inter and their red-hot defensive prospect needed a redoubtable performance to maintain hopes of topping their pool.
Skriniar teamed up with Netherlands centre-back Stefan de Vrij, with the duo unsurprisingly being kept busy even in the absence of injured icon Lionel Messi.
A particular highlight came just before the break when he initially appeared to lose Luis Suarez, only to gallop back and eventually clear.
With a contract extension yet to be signed, his list of suitors will only grew after this match. As will his price tag.
GOT RIGHT
Right to reply – Skriniar was all over the shop in Barca, being one of Inter’s most-culpable players in a miserable 2-0 defeat.
The reply was emphatic from him at a damp San Siro. With the visitors pumping in 26 attempts and constantly trying to get in behind, he produced the second-most tackles (six) and clearances (five).
GOT WRONG
Know when to play – At 23-years old, Skriniar remains a work in progress.
Rash decisions can still occur – such as when he tried to dribble past Suarez late in the first half after he had made an excellent recovery tackle. He could have been embarrassed on another day, but the ball bounced kindly for him to clear.
A Riveder le Stelle 🌟⚫️🔵#ForzaInter #InterIsHere #InterBarça #UCL pic.twitter.com/Pba2WCNBKZ
— Inter (@Inter) November 6, 2018
KEY MOMENTS
30th min BLOCK: Makes himself big to block a shot from Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic.
40th min TACKLE: Suarez appears to have got in behind the Inter defence. But Skriniar charges back, makes a fine tackle and clears his lines – courtesy of the Uruguay centre forward’s failed tackle.
51st min DEFENSIVE COMPOSURE: Draws a dive from nemesis Luis Suarez, drawing back his leg before a challenge is made on the edge of the penalty box.
74th min BLOCK: Ex-Inter starlet Philippe Coutinho’s magical feet create some space 20 yards out. Skriniar, however, cannot be tricked and he stands firm to repel the shot.
VERDICT
Doubts surrounded Skriniar for the first time in his Inter career after an uncertain performance in defeat at Camp Nou.
Inter demanded a positive reply from their star defender – and they got it.
The duel with Suarez made for enthralling viewing. That he edged it against a striker with five goals in his preceding two matches spoke volumes.
RATING: 8/10
All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com
