Inter Milan are facing a midfield crisis as they prepare for their challenging away fixture in Rome. With Kristjan Asllani and Piotr Zielinski both dealing with minor issues, coach Simone Inzaghi is exploring solutions to address the situation. One such solution comes from the club’s youth ranks, as Inzaghi turns to a familiar face in Thomas Berenbruch.
Calciomercato report how the 18-year-old midfielder, born in 2005, is no stranger to Inzaghi’s methods, having spent the entire pre-season training with the first team and participating in summer friendlies. However, the match against Roma will mark Berenbruch’s first official call-up to the senior squad for a competitive fixture.
Berenbruch, often likened to a “mini-Barella,” has an interesting background. Spotted by Roberto Samaden, he joined Inter from Renate as an Under-14 player during a period of close collaboration between the two clubs. Since then, he has progressed through Inter’s youth system, impressing both as a person and as a player.
Known for his impressive engine and decent technical skills, Berenbruch has consistently scored goals throughout his development. His playing style draws comparisons to Nicolò Barella, albeit on a different scale. One of his specialties is scoring from distance.
As a 2005-born player, Berenbruch is considered the “veteran” of the Primavera squad, serving as a leader for his teammates. Despite receiving offers to play elsewhere, he chose to stay with Inter for another year. His decision seems to be paying off, as he’s had an excellent start to the season.
Berenbruch announced himself on the European stage with a stunning brace against Manchester City in the UEFA Youth League, helping Inter secure a crucial victory. So far this season, he has netted three goals in the league and two in the Primavera competition, totaling five goals in nine appearances – an impressive tally for a midfielder.
While Sunday evening will present an entirely new challenge for Thomas Berenbruch, his first call-up to the senior squad represents a significant milestone in his promising career.