It sets, runs, finishes, concludes: Radja Nainggolan is Walter Zenga’s Cagliari man everywhere. Yesterday, with Torino, the Ninja he didn’t even have to play. Then he decided that yes, he was ready to return to the field after the calf problem: “Two days ago I went alone in the group because I felt ready – he said at the end of the race – I manage a bit”. The outcome of the gambling? A goal and a total test. The new Nainggolan is mature, leading the Cagliari midfield with gestures and booming voice, had the keys from Zenga himself.
REBORN – The results are striking: 21 appearances in the season with 6 goals and 5 assists. But the numbers only partially tell the devastating impact of the Belgian: a rediscovered player, alive in his accelerations, brilliant when he verticalizes and inserts himself. Then the feeling with the goal, never waned: when the Ninja pulling, whether it’s power or precision, is always scary. In conclusion, the Sardinian ‘exile’ seems to have given new life to Nainggolan, who has returned to the total midfielder.
EXCESSES AND CHOICES – What about excesses? Well, those are part of the package. Take or leave. Off the pitch, Radja does not follow Cristiano Ronaldo’s lifestyle, to quote the top of the pyramid. This is well established, but in the field the contribution of the Belgian is always of the highest level. His performances are not affected by his vices, he continues to give 100% and beyond. Last summer Inter made a choice, selling the former Roma and Icardi: the desire to turn the page, to forget the madness of crazy Inter. But in a few months Nainggolan’s loan to Cagliari will end, and Conte seems to need a midfielder like the Ninja.
SERVE ALL’INTER – The point is this: in recent games, thanks to Sensi’s constant ailments, Inter often had to rely on reserves (Gagliardini) or not ready youngsters (see Agoumé). And in any case, even with the full squad, there is no mezzala with the characteristics of Nainggolan. Marotta chased Vidal, but the answer to Conte’s requests is already at home. No more preconceptions: this Nainggolan can be the added value that Inter have been pursuing for some time. You just have to trust him.
