Inter Milan & France Star Credits Growth As Centre-Forward To Argentina Superstar & Ex West Ham United Veteran

Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram credits his growth as a centre-forward to teammates Lautaro Martinez and Marko Arnauovic.

The 27-year-old spoke to Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews, after yesterday’s 3-1 Serie A win over Parma.

Since his arrival at Inter in 2023, Thuram has become more and more of an out-and-out striker.

That is not really the position that the Frenchman had played earlier on in his career.

In Ligue 1, Thuram tended to play as a winger. Then, with Borussia Monchengladbach he played in a variety of roles, from out wide to as a second striker or attacking midfielder.

But Inter did not sign Thuram to play in a withdrawn role.

The Nerazzurri had always earmarked the France international as a real Number Nine.

Last season, Thuram had a very successful debut season as a striker at Inter. He struck up a good partnership with captain Lautaro Martinez leading the Nerazzurri line.

Thuram chipped in with goals, assist, linkup play, and a threat in behind.

However, Thuram was not as prolific as Martinez was, and didn’t really threaten to challenge for the title of Serie A top scorer.

Marcus Thuram Credits Lautaro & Thuram For Growth As No. 9

This season, however, Thuram has already hit double figures, and it’s just December.

The Frenchman will surely have his eye on the title of top scorer in Serie A. He is currently just two goals off Mateo Retegui at the top of the divisions’ scoring charts.

That owes to Thuram having more poaching instincts and a more aggressive style in the penalty area.

“I started playing this position at Inter,” the 27-year-old noted.

“I’m growing into it. But I still have a lot of things to improve on. I’m trying to learn from Lautaro and Arnautovic.”

Meanwhile, Thuram gave his thoughts on scoring against his father Lilian’s old team Parma.

“They’re a special team for our family,” the Inter striker admitted. “I was born in that city.”

“I know they’re a special team for my dad. It feels a bit strange to play against them.”

But Thuram made clear, “I’m happy to have scored and won.”

As far as the influence of his coach Simone Inzaghi in him scoring at the far post yesterday, Thuram noted that “He had Immobile at Lazio, who scored a lot of goals like that.”

“I often make that run,” the Frenchman said. “Even if sometimes I forget,” he added with a laugh.”

And Thuram also gave his thoughts on facing Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

“Bayer have changed since I left [the Bundesliga],” he said. “They’ve brought in a new coach, they’re coming off the back of an amazing season.”

“They’re still a strong team this season. It will be intense, we’ll try to win.”