Yahoo Sports Ex Inter Milan & Italy Superstar Backs Struggling Nerazzurri Captain: “He’ll Score When Needed”
Christian Vieri has stood up for out-of-form Inter Milan talisman Lautaro Martinez amid the Argentine’s rotten patch.
During his latest interview with DAZN via FCInterNews, Vieiri backed the 27-year-old to refind his scoring boots in times of necessity.
Lautaro Martinez was nothing short of exceptional last season.
Indeed, he bagged 24 goals in Serie A en route to his maiden Capocannoniere award.
However, his dramatic decline this season has raised eyebrows.
El Toro has only netted five goals in 13 league appearances, adding one in six in the UEFA Champions League.
But that hardly tells the whole story.
His goals have often proved crucial.
Martinez’s match-winning brace decided an intense 3-2 win at Udinese back in September.
Furthermore, he scored winners against Roma and Venezia, directly contributing to nine points.
Christian Vieri Backs Inter Milan Superstar Lautaro Martinez to Get Back on Track
Martinez has faced harsh criticism. He failed to score in Monday’s 6-0 rout of Lazio, extending his scoring drought to three league games.
Yet, Vieri believes it’s only a matter of time before the Argentine returns to form.
“He played a good match, he’s always involved and helps the team play well,” the ex-striker said.
“He’s a lively player, even if he’s not scoring. The concern would be if he never took a shot.
“It’s actually good that he didn’t score because everyone else did. He’ll score when it’s needed.”
Vieri also discussed the strength of Inter’s midfield.
“I’ve been saying this for two years: Inter’s midfielders are the strongest in Europe, they all score goals,” Vieri added. “It’s hard to find two in a squad, let alone 4-5.”
Meanwhile, he also spoke about Marcus Thuram.
“We talk from time to time, and I know his dad well. The other day, he sent me the goal I scored against Parma and said ‘what a great goal.’
“I replied, ‘Your dad was strong.’ He’s very sweet and kind. He scores a lot of goals, and he told me that last night he turned it in at the near post.”
