Player Ratings: Ajax 0-2 Inter – Full steam ‘ahead’ for Thuram as Calhanoglu assists to silence critics

Marcus Thuram was Football Italia’s Man of the Match for tonight’s 2-0 win for Inter over Ajax in the Champions League.

The French forward scored a brace of headers to see Inter pick up three points in their first match of this season’s league phase.

However, Hakan Calhanoglu also performed well and picked up the assists for both of Thuram’s goals.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with team mates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Both players have received criticism from the press and fans in the last month – with the French forward pictured daring to laugh with his brother in the Derby d’Italia and Calhanoglu the centre of another controversy in the summer.

Jaros 5.5, Wijndal 6.5, Bass 6, Itakura 6 (Sutalo N/A), Gaeei 5.5; Taylor 6 (McConnell 6) Klaassen 6.5, Regeer 6.5; Godts 5.5, Weghorst 6, Edvardsen 6.6

Yann Sommer 7.5 – After receiving criticism at the weekend in the defeat to Juventus and reports in the media speculating he could be dropped, the Swiss international made a really good save at the end of the first half to deny Ajax and kept a clean sheet.

Alessandro Bastoni 7 -Reliable job at the back from the talented centre-back, did well to keep the Ajax attack quiet.

Stefan De Vrij 7 – Also did well, persistently solid in defence.

Manuel Akanji 7 – There was not too much to differentiate any of the Nerazzurri’s back three today, they all did a good job and were rewarded with a clean sheet to take home to Lombardy.

Federico Dimarco 7.5 – Really strong performance down the left-hand side for Dimarco who did well both offensively and defensively.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan 6.5 – Was not really involved all that much this evening but equally didn’t put a foot wrong, just a bit quiet.

Hakan Calhanoglu 8.5 – What a way to silence his critics, another strong performance today after his brace in the Derby d’Italia against Juventus at the weekend. Two assists for Marcus Thuram’s two goals.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Federico Dimarco of Internazionale is put under pressure by Oliver Edvardsen of AFC Ajax during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Nicolo Barella 7 – The Nerazzurri captain was solid as always, dominating the midfield but created just one chance all game.

Denzel Dumfries 7.5 – Like his counterpart on the left-hand side, Dumfries was also very impressive in all phases of the game. Constantly a threat down the right flank, the Dutchman did well.

Francesco Pio Esposito 6.5 – The youngster did not have the best of games but got some important minutes under his belt at the top level and was overshadowed on the day by his attacking partner.

Marcus Thuram 9 – Really impressive brace for the French forward finally finding his best form once again. A goal in Saturday’s loss to Juventus was marred by fan criticism of his brotherly love but he has once again give Nerazzurri fans something to cheer about with two good headers.

Subs: Frattesi 6, Augusto N/A, Zielinski N/A, Sucic N/A, Bonny N/A

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