Class, technique and personality: the very best of Calhanoglu

An assuring presence in the middle of the pitch, a constant who has illuminated the Inter midfield in the last two seasons and will continue to do so in the coming years. Hakan Calhanoglu and Inter will continue their journey together until 2027. A contract extension that has come after two years of starring in the number 20 for the nerazzurri. Calhanoglu has been at the core of Simone Inzaghi’s team which has won two Coppa Italias, two Italian Super Cups and reached the Champions League Final in the last two seasons. Since his outstanding debut with a goal and assist against Genoa on the first day of the 2021/22 season, the Turk has played an important role for Inter. In his first year in the nerazzurro shirt, he provided 12 assists and scored 8 goals, including goals against Milan and Juventus as well as a goal in the Coppa Italia final against the bianconeri: figures which earned him a place in Opta’s best XI of the 2021/22 season. 

Calhanoglu’s second season in nerazzurro confirmed his value: the Turkish midfielder further developed his style of play, demonstrating that he can dictate play well in the centre of the pitch as well. 49 appearances, three goals and six assists: a wholeheartedly positive output, especially considering the huge distance he’s had to cover in this new role. Calhanoglu played a key role for Inter, especially in European competition: the winning goal and Man of the Match against Barcelona in the group stages, as well as the Man of the Match in both legs of the Round of 16 games against Porto with two magnificent performances.