This match between 12th and 3rd dropped a crucial two points for Antonio Conte’s side as they still try to chase the title that seems to have run away from them now. Sassuolo defended in a 4-5-1 and pressed high, rushing the Inter centre halves. Playing in a 4-2-3-1, they were quick on the counter with a fast front four who transitioned very well and were able to score an early goal to put them ahead through Caputo. It was a dramatic game that ended 3-3 with there being three goals and a red card in the final 10 minutes.
Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Mert Muldur
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Turkish
- Age: 21
- Date of birth: 03/04/1999
- Current club: Sassuolo
- Career: Rapid Vienna, Sassuolo
- Position: Right Back
- Secondary Position: Centre Back
- Preferred foot: Right
The Turkish international grew into the game but overall put in an assured performance at both ends. He’s 6’1″ with a wide frame but is lightweight but could definitely fill out into his frame and be a very physical defender. He showed okay speed and athleticism but is something I needed to see more of.
In defence he did well 1v1 but didn’t have great technique and made some errors which luckily didn’t cost the team and was lucky himself to win some of the challenges. He stayed on his feet and lunged in with some well timed challenges but could rush in a bit and plant his feet too easily. He was quite front of at times, including in the defensive line, and could have scanned across the line more, but did do well as the back post the few times he was called upon.
At times he didn’t close down the wide player quick enough and allowed too much space. In the high line he pressed out well but fouled unnecessarily a few times but did try and be physical. He was a good byline defender and did well to block crosses from that areas and did well in the box 1v1, able to defend in tight spaces well.
On the ball he was slow to make decisions and carried to the ball into space if it was there. He played simple passes into midfield options but needed a bit more pace on them but were fairly smooth and his first touch was solid. In the final third he got into some good positions and made a few runs forward. He was showed good confidence 1v1 even if he didn’t try to beat his man, but was comfortable. He got into a few crossing positions and was able to get into wide areas of the box. He was very right footed though which hindered him at times and made some of his passing awkward due to his body position. One wasted chance in the box came from chopping back onto his left but then having to use the outside of his right boot to try and flick it through a small gap with little power.
Rating – A2
He grew into the game and was able to get forward more as the match went on. He was impressive but still quite raw and has quite a few things to iron out and improve I thought. I’d definitely watch him again and want to get a better idea of him athletically especially as turning speed and agility could be an issue.
Jeremie Boga
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Ivorian
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 03/01/1997
- Current club: Sassuolo
- Career: Chelsea (Y), Rennes (L), Granada (L), Birmingham (L), Sassuolo
- Position: Left Wing
- Preferred foot: Right
Boga was really off the pace this match before being subbed off in the 67th. He was very uninvolved and felt like his head wasn’t in the game. He lacked intensity, wasn’t aggressive on the ball or the challenge. He made a few powerful drives forward but wasn’t as effective as he usually is. He was lacklustre and not strong enough on the ball. He pressed well a few times high up but was also bypassed easily in the midfield.
He’s a great athlete but lacked effectiveness and penetration in this match and was disappointing considering his performance against Atalanta. He is a direct player who wants to dribble but overplayed at times and ended up going sideways a few times. Overall he just wasn’t involved in the game and was off the pace, he showed glimpses of his quality and is a good player but I had to give a harsh rating based off this game.
Rating – D
Rogerio
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 13/01/1998
- Current club: Sassuolo
- Career: SC Internacional (Y), Sassuolo (Y), Juventus, Sassuolo
- Position: Left Back
- Preferred foot: Left
Rogerio was brought off at half time after playing left back in the back four. He made a few forward runs, able to underlap into wide areas of the box and made some good passes inside and into the striker. He made a few poor touches but overall he received the ball on the back foot well and then wanted to play forwards. He carried the ball into space at times but was more comfortable passing into midfield and didn’t try to take his man on. He didn’t get into many crossing positions and the ones he attempted lacked quality.
He’s 5’10” with a slim frame and lacked physicality. He didn’t seem that powerful athletically with poor agility and didn’t do great in 1v1s defensively due to it. He lacked aggression in the challenge and picked up a yellow card, having a poor game which led to his substitution at half time. He didn’t show much quality in his time on the pitch but only playing 45 minutes in a counter attacking team where the full backs didn’t push that high so I didn’t get to see enough of him.
Rating – C