Ex West Ham United Veteran Shines At Inter Milan – But France International Flounders Without Usual Strike Partner | OneFootball

Marko Arnautovic has been shining for Inter Milan in the absence of Lautaro Martinez, but Marcus Thuram has struggled somewhat.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Over the first half of the season, the hierarchy in attack has been very clear at Inter.

Martinez and Thuram have been the two starters. And then Arnautovic and Alexis Sanchez have been the backups.

As such, Arnautovic has often found opportunities to play and prove himself hard to come by.

Then, the Austrian has not been helped by some fitness issues.

Arnautovic was out for around six weeks between September and November recovering from a thigh injury.

But in the past couple weeks, the Austrian has started to have his opportunities.

Marko Arnautovic Shines At Inter Without Lautaro, But Marcus Thuram Flounders

In Inter’s last two matches, Martinez has been out with a minor thigh injury.

And this has been just the opening that Arnautovic has needed to get on the pitch as a starter.

The 34-year-old started against Lecce just before Christmas. He may not have gotten his goal in that match, but he did produce a brilliant improvised backheel assist for Nicolo Barella.

Then on Friday, Arnautovic finally got his first ever goal for Inter in Serie A.

The former West Ham United striker was the most alert man in the penalty, seizing on a rebound off the post before tapping the ball in from close range.

Beyond that goal and assist, though. Arnautovic has shown that he can do more or less what Inter signed him for.

The veteran striker’s size and awareness of what’s around him has given the team a reference point in attack to hold up the ball.

Arnautovic has brought teammates into play and won some important fouls.

On the other hand, Thuram has looked a bit lost in Inter’s last few matches.

The Frenchman has shown none of the positive qualities that had marked his start to the season.

Now, the big question could be whether Thuram can play at his best for Inter when Martinez is out.