Henrikh Mkhitaryan is preparing for a significant return to his former role in the upcoming football season. The Armenian midfielder is poised to take on a more attacking position, specifically in the left center of the field, where he can create space and support Lautaro Martinez, who thrives when given opportunities to shine. After impressing in the last two friendly matches, it’s clear that Mkhitaryan is in excellent form.
His potential shift to a more advanced position comes at a crucial time, considering the injury to Taremi, alongside uncertainties regarding Arnautovic and a Thuram who has just returned from the European Championships. These developments suggest that Mkhitaryan could reclaim his old role as a second striker, a position he enjoyed during his earlier playing days.
Mkhitaryan was the first player to arrive at Appiano, spending about ten days there leading up to the season, showing his commitment to replicating his remarkable previous season, where he contributed significantly to the team success. Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has always valued Mkhitaryan’s versatility and importance, often deploying him in various roles depending on the team’s needs.
In recent friendlies, Mkhitaryan has played alongside both Taremi and Arnautovic, hinting at his potential position for the opening league match against Genoa on August 17. Mkhitaryan has a rich history of excelling in attacking roles, notably during his time at Pyunik and Shakhtar Donetsk, where he scored an impressive 29 goals in the 2012-13 season.
Throughout the last three seasons, Mkhitaryan has adapted into a quality midfielder, providing numerous assists, but his experience as a second striker cannot be overlooked. He has played in this role at Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, Roma, and now Inter, demonstrating his adaptability and skill set.
Last season, he briefly ventured into attack during a Coppa Italia match against Bologna, aiming to penetrate a tough defense. His time at Roma also showcased his goal-scoring ability when he scored a hat-trick against Genoa in 2020, illustrating his capacity to thrive in an attacking role.
Now, with Taremi’s absence and Arnautovic’s fitness concerns, Mkhitaryan’s resurgence to an attacking position alongside Lautaro could be the pivotal move that could reshape the team’s offensive strategy for the new season. This tactical adjustment may be just the key needed for Inter to achieve their ambitions.