Inter's dynamic duo Martinez, Thuram lead charge in Champions League clash

Posted : 23 October 2023

Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram have quickly established a formidable attacking partnership that will guide Inter Milan into their upcoming Champions League Group D encounter with Salzburg. This dynamic duo has already netted an impressive 16 goals collectively this season, making fans forget the former idol and Martinez's previous strike partner, Romelu Lukaku.

They've also propelled last season's Champions League runner-up into one of the favorites for the Serie A title, following an uncertain summer that saw the departure of key players in both attack and defense.

Both Martinez and Thuram were on target in Inter's recent 3-0 victory over Torino, temporarily propelling them to the top of Serie A. Martinez's tally across all competitions has now reached an impressive 12 goals in just 11 matches. Since the departures of Edin Dzeko and Lukaku during the summer, Martinez has taken on the role of Inter's attacking focal point. The team also leads Serie A in goals scored with 24.

Argentina striker Martinez is currently five goals ahead of Victor Osimhen, his closest rival in Italy's scoring charts. At his current rate of 11 goals in nine league matches, he's on course to surpass Gonzalo Higuain's record single-season haul of 36 goals set in 2016.

Thuram, who returned to Italy from Borussia Moenchengladbach, has found the transition easier thanks to Martinez's stellar form. The 26-year-old, born in Parma, has a strong affinity for Italy, having grown up there despite leaving as a child to begin his youth career in France. His father, Lilian Thuram, a French World Cup-winning icon, played for Parma for five seasons, achieving notable success, including winning the UEFA Cup and the Italian Cup in 1999.

Thuram's return to Italy has been significant, and his partnership with Martinez has been instrumental in Inter's position as Serie A's top-scoring team. Although he has scored only four times in all competitions in his first season as a striker, his five assists, including three for Martinez, have made him a vital part of the team.

Tuesday's clash with Salzburg, with Inter currently level on four points with Group D leaders Real Sociedad, presents an opportunity to build a cushion in the group and enhance their chances of advancing to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Inter's dynamic duo Martinez, Thuram lead charge in Champions League clash

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics