Stefano Sensi, Inter
Inter stole a lot of headlines this summer with its transfer moves, but one move went somewhat unnoticed. Stefano Sensi joined Inter from Sassuolo on a $5.5 million dollar loan deal. Inter will have the option to buy for $24 million next summer.
Sensi was one of Sassuolo’s best players last season. He appeared in 28 Serie A games primarily in an attacking midfield role. Sensi finished with only two goals, but he had success as a playmaker.
Inter manager Antonio Conte will employ Sensi a little differently this season. Conte played Sensi in more of a free role during the preseason and in Inter’s first two league games. Sensi has the freedom to drop back to help defensively and to push forward to lead the attack. This role gives Sensi the ability to take over a game with his passing.
The early results have been positive, as Sensi made an instant impact with his new club. In fact, he was Inter’s best player over the first two games.
In the opener against Lecce, Sensi dominated possession in the midfield and even scored a goal. Against Cagliari, Sensi skillfully turned a defender in the box to win the penalty that resulted in the winning goal.
After he made the move to Inter, Sensi mentioned that he models his play after former Barcelona star Xavi. The comparison is a lofty one, but it doesn’t seem that far off based on early indications.
Inter’s move for Sensi didn’t have the fanfare as the moves for Romelu Lukaku or Alexis Sanchez. But, Sensi will be the biggest reason why Inter finishes in the top three of Serie A this season.