Yahoo Sports Turkey Manager Makes Bold Prediction For Inter Milan Midfielder: “Would Have Liked To See Him Win The Ballon d’Or”
Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella has made a bold claim about Inter Milan talisman Hakan Calhanoglu.
During an interview with Turkish outlet Hurriyet, as reported by FCInterNews, Montella backed the 30-year-old to win the Ballon d’Or.
Calhanoglu has been nothing short of outstanding since swapping AC Milan for Inter in 2021.
Indeed, he was among Simone Inzaghi’s standout performers last term as the Nerazzurri won their 20th Scudetto.
With 13 goals, he was Serie A’s most prolific midfielder last term.
However, he has seemingly refused to take his foot off the gas.
Despite missing his first penalty in the Inter shirt against Napoli on Sunday, Calhanoglu was impressive again.
His long-range rocket missile inspired Inzaghi’s team to a 1-1 draw against the division’s pacesetters at Giuseppe Meazza.
After helping his club extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to ten matches, he’ll link up with his national team.
Vincenzo Montella Waxes Lyrical About Inter Milan Star Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu
Calhanoglu wears the captain’s armband for Turkey.
He’s one of Montella’s most trusted allies, with the Italian manager commenting on his recent Ballon d’Or nomination.
Meanwhile, Turkish starlets Arda Guler of Real Madrid and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz were in contention for the Golden Boy award.
Though all came up short in their pursuit of these flattering accolades, Montella remains confident of their qualities.
“Personally, I would have liked to see them achieve such success,” he said.
“Among these three, Arda is perhaps the player who has played the least, but he has done great things when he has played.”
Calhanoglu will captain Turkey in the upcoming UEFA Champions League fixtures against Montenegro and Wales.
The Crescent-Stars bid to win League A promotion as they sit second in Group B4 behind Wales.
With two points separating the nations ahead of the last two rounds, Montella’s men can’t afford a slip-up this month.
