Marcus Thuram’s Transformation: From Serie A Assist King to Inter’s Goal Machine
Last season, Marcus Thuram finished as Serie A’s assist leader, creating chance after chance for his teammates. Fast forward to his second year in Italy, and the Frenchman has reinvented himself as one of the league’s most lethal strikers.
The 27-year-old forward already has eight goals in 10 matches across all competitions this season. That tally includes his late winner in Inter’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Young Boys on Wednesday, his first European strike of the campaign to go with seven in Serie A.
Only Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui has more league goals, with eight.
“Goals are always important, even more so if they help the team to win,” Thuram said after his decisive strike in Switzerland.
From Creator to Closer
Thuram’s numbers underline the transformation. Last season, he racked up 15 goals and 14 assists across all competitions. This year, just weeks into a marathon campaign that will stretch to the Club World Cup in July, he’s already more than halfway to his scoring total.
Interestingly, Thuram has yet to register an assist this term. Part of the reason is the slower start from strike partner Lautaro Martínez, fresh off captaining Argentina to Copa América glory. But with Inter’s attack flowing through him, Thuram has turned from provider to finisher.
His hot streak could also benefit France, where he has just two goals in 27 caps but may soon play a bigger role under Didier Deschamps.
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A Family Affair in the Derby d’Italia
Inter’s next challenge brings both pressure and personal stakes: the Derby d’Italia against Juventus.
It will be a family derby for the Thurams, with Marcus leading Inter’s attack and his younger brother Khéphren Thuram expected to start in midfield for Juve. Their father Lilian Thuram, a Juventus legend, is likely to cheer for the Bianconeri.
“My dad will support the Bianconeri,” Marcus admitted with a smile. “Anyhow, it will still be wonderful for us all, and I won’t be angry with him.”
Inter in Form, Juve in Flux
Inter enter the derby on a high after five straight wins across all competitions, bouncing back strongly from last month’s derby defeat to AC Milan.
“You don’t get five victories if the team isn’t in good shape,” coach Simone Inzaghi said. “We’re working hard. In the Champions League we have seven points after three matches and we haven’t conceded a goal.”
Juventus, on the other hand, remain inconsistent under new coach Thiago Motta, suffering a 1-0 defeat away to Stuttgart in the Champions League this week.
Balotelli linked with Serie A Return
In other Serie A news, Mario Balotelli could be on the verge of a comeback. Genoa are reportedly considering signing the 34-year-old striker, who has been a free agent since leaving Turkish side Adana Demirspor.
Balotelli hasn’t featured in Serie A since the 2019-20 season with Brescia, and last played in Italy for Monza in Serie B in 2020-21.
What’s Next
For now, all eyes are on Marcus Thuram. From assist king to goal machine, his reinvention has powered Inter’s strong start at home and in Europe. Sunday’s Derby d’Italia not only tests Inter’s title credentials but also adds a family subplot that could define Thuram’s remarkable season.
SportsLigue