Former Inter and Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero believes that his former teammate Romelu Lukaku’s understanding of Antonio Conte’s enjoying model is what makes the duo so fruitful, permitting the striker to rediscover kind after some tough season.
The 39-year-old formally retired from soccer in June 2023 however performed his ultimate season as knowledgeable footballer in 2020-2021 with Fiorentina. Earlier than that, he had spent three years at Inter, watching the Belgian worldwide attain his peak beneath Antonio Conte.
Whereas Borja Valero admits Lukaku’s current struggles might have had an ‘impression’ on him, he’s satisfied that can assist him revitalise his profession as soon as once more, as he nonetheless ‘makes a distinction in Italy’.
Borja Valero: Lukaku ‘reborn’ with Conte, Zielinski ‘greatest years’ at Napoli
“Definitely, the trail of those previous few years, even on a psychological stage, should have had some impression on him,” Borja Valero advised Cronache di Spogliatoio, as .
“In my view, this has made him change a bit, he has undoubtedly matured.
“However when he’s with Conte, he appears to be reborn, as a result of he understands Conte’s model of play very nicely, which is targeted on two strikers. And when you’ve a striker like him, who actually makes a distinction in Italy, I imagine it’s essential.”
The ex-Viola participant additionally talked about two present Inter gamers when requested to call his favorite midfielders, regardless of admitting that Piotr Zielinski’s ‘greatest years’ got here when he was enjoying for Napoli.
“I’ve at all times had an enormous gentle spot for Zielinski,” the Spaniard added.
“Now we see him at Inter, however his greatest years had been at Napoli. He’s a participant of a better stage than the remainder.
“Then clearly, Calhanoglu, I imagine he’s among the many greatest. I actually like how he interprets his position. And though he’s not precisely a midfielder, I actually like Suslov from Verona. I feel he’s a really fascinating participant.”
Borja Valero racked up 82 Serie A appearances for Inter however left the Nerazzurri the season earlier than they received their nineteenth title to affix Fiorentina for a second stint, as he performed 186 league video games in whole for the Viola.