Former Inter Milan and Argentina striker Hernan Crespo has shared his thoughts on the current Inter star Lautaro Martinez, comparing him to some of the greatest Argentine forwards in history. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Crespo, who knows a thing or two about scoring goals and wearing the Inter and Argentina shirts, analyzed Martinez’s qualities and current form.
“I’m at 35 goals, he’s at 32. I’m not playing anymore, and he is. It’s a story already written,” Crespo said, acknowledging the inevitability of Martinez surpassing his tally. “But I’m truly happy for him because he’s matched Maradona at 32, and for an Argentine, that’s worth gold.”
Crespo’s assessment of Martinez is unequivocal: “He’s one of the best strikers in the world.” The former striker recalled advising Martinez to stay at Inter when Barcelona showed interest, believing he would achieve great satisfaction and continue to grow. “I wasn’t wrong: I know a thing or two about strikers,” Crespo added with a hint of pride.
Discussing Martinez’s recent goal against Peru, Crespo praised the striker’s complete repertoire: “In Lautaro’s gesture, there’s his entire repertoire: sense of position, because he always knows where to place himself in the area; cleverness in anticipating the defender’s intervention; skill in acrobatics and excellent technique. I’ll say it again: Lautaro is a complete forward, he can do everything.”
When asked about Martinez’s current goal drought for Inter, Crespo defended the striker: “It’s normal for a striker, even one as good as Lautaro, to go through a period where he scores less frequently. But that doesn’t mean we should criticize him, because criticizing Lautaro would be blasphemy. He’s a true leader, both for Inter and the national team.”
Crespo believes Inter, led by Martinez, are strong contenders for both the Serie A title and the Champions League final. “Lautaro guarantees goals, Thuram is his ideal partner, and the style of play proposed by my friend Simone Inzaghi is perfect for the characteristics of the players at his disposal. In Italy, Inter is by far the most complete and experienced team,” he stated.
Drawing comparisons with past players, Crespo sees Martinez as a blend of Argentine greats: “For example, in the penalty area, he’s as deadly as Aguero. In acrobatic play, I admit, I see myself in him, although he needs to improve his backheel… His heading ability is as strong as Batistuta’s, even if he doesn’t have the same power. And he’s quick when he starts a counterattack, and you can’t take the ball away from him easily…”
Crespo concluded by asserting Martinez’s superiority over former teammate Romelu Lukaku: “It’s much more difficult to stop Lautaro because he has more quality. Lukaku relies only on power, Lautaro is decidedly more complete.”
