After Inter Milan’s impressive win over rivals AC last night, Michael Owen made the claim that none of their players would make either of Real Madrid or Manchester City’s side.
However, it was quickly put down by Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard, who made a strong claim for keeper Andre Onana.
When discussing the final, Owen said Inter would need to set up with certain tactics if they were to compete as going head to head with them, they don’t match up.
While that is potentially true, it seemed a bit dismissive and ignorant to say not a single player from a side in the final would make into either of the two sides.
Speaking on Onana, Gerrard said “What about the keeper? He’s very similar is he not? He could wear No.10 on his back! He’s like Ederson.
“All night he’s getting pressed, under pressure, sticky situations. He’s just calm, collected. He can play long, he can play short.
“I loved watching the keeper tonight, he was fantastic.”
Ferdinand added to this, saying “A modern-day goalkeeper, he’s top class. Takes the ball under pressure, doesn’t panic. Brings the other team onto him to create space around him. They’re going to need a big performance out of someone like him if they’re going to win.”
Check out the clip below (shared on Football on BT Sport’s Twitter page)
"He's top class!"
"Inter are going to need a big performance from him if they're going to win!" 🔥@rioferdy5, Steven Gerrard and @themichaelowen discuss Andre Onana's importance at the back of this Inter squad! 🙌@mrjakehumphrey | #UCL pic.twitter.com/domwP38dLI
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2023
Onana has been a major part of Inter’s run to the final, with eight clean sheets to date – the most in the competition.
He is likely needed to be at his absolute best if Inter are to have a chance in the final against either Real or City, who will enter as major favourites for the title.