Ventola: Cruz was more than a back-up, he was almost a certainty

Former

striker

Nicola Ventola

, who played for the Nerazzurri from 2000 until 2005, has spoken about ex-Inter ace,

Julio Cruz

.

He told

Inter’s official podcast

:

“Cruz was more than a back-up, he was almost a certainty.

“It was normal that there were two starters ahead of him, but when he came on the pitch he was incredible. He was a complete player and could have been a starter in any team.

“Technical, intelligent, physical and he knew how to provide assists. He was a player who chose to play as a back-up for Inter when he could have been a starter for any other team.”

The Italian also talked about Inter Chilean forward.

.

“Having such strong players in front of you is something that helps you prepare yourself and understand how to go on the pitch in the right way. From a mental point of view, I was a back-up, so I knew I had to accept my opportunities.

“It was something that I needed and that helped me concentrate. Against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League, Ronaldo had decided in the morning that he wanted to give me an assist with his heel and he did. Thus was born a spectacular goal. Ronaldo always had this spark of positivity that cheered us up in difficult moments. I am glad to see him doing well in his role at Real Vallodolid.

“Sanchez is a player who cannot be beaten, he is very strong. Now he is physically recovered. Paradoxically, in the match against Sampdoria when he missed a penalty he was the best player. He has personality as well as quality.

“He is a very precious additional weapon for Inter at such a crucial moment in the season. During the game, he knows how to use his speed and intelligence to move between the lines and make the difference in a match. He’s now showing that Antonio Conte can rely on him as a starter.”

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