Former Inter and Milan striker Hernan Crespo has given Mauro Icardi and Gonzalo Higuain ratings out of 10 for various facets of their games.

The Derby della Madonnina is looming after the international break, and is being billed as a showdown between the two Argentinian strikers.

Crespo played for both clubs, as well as scoring 35 goals in 64 caps for the Albiceleste, so he’s in a perfect position to assess the pair.

Former Inter and Milan striker Hernan Crespo has given Mauro Icardi and Gonzalo Higuain ratings out of 10 for various facets of their games.

The Derby della Madonnina is looming after the international break, and is being billed as a showdown between the two Argentinian strikers.

Crespo played for both clubs, as well as scoring 35 goals in 64 caps for the Albiceleste, so he’s in a perfect position to assess the pair.

“With those two Inter and Milan can sleep easy, sooner or later they’ll score,” the 43-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport, before rating various aspects of their games.

“Right foot? An eight for both. Icardi is fantastic when he can adjust to the ball and hit it the way he sees fit, and he’s also good when he shoots more instinctively.

“Higuain has a deadly right foot, he hits it so well diagonally and even sometimes shoots for the near post to surprise the goalkeeper.

“Headers? Icardi nine, Higuain eight. The former has a great leap both when standing still and with a run-up.

“He has perfect timing and the cunning to steal ahead of the defender in the decisive moment. The latter doesn’t have an imperious leap, but his timing is always spot on.

“Left foot? Icardi eight, Higuain seven. Pipita doesn’t often go for a left-footed finish, he prefers to steer it onto his right. If he does try it though, it’s hard for goalkeepers.

“Icardi is brilliant at cutting quickly onto his left from the centre, he’s fantastic in generating power on a shot to the far post.

“Goalscoring instinct? Both nine. If there’s a loose ball in the penalty area, Icardi always gets there first. Higuain can seem like he’s not there, almost hiding, then suddenly he gets his foot to it. He knows where the goal is in every moment of the game.

“Icardi seems to pop out of the melee when the ball seems lost, and you can never relax when Higuain is around.

“Shooting from outside the box? Both eight. Icardi isn’t lacking in that area, and Higuain is always ready and has that cutting edge.

“Involvement in the play? A seven for Icardi, who sometimes seems like an old-fashioned striker, waiting for the ball to get to him and not participating much in the build-up.

“Higuain gets an eight, because his movements are decisive in attacking action. He dictates the temp with his shots, and always gets chances on rebounds.

“Dribbling? Icardi gets an eight, but it’s not his forte. Higuain, nine, because when he looks at his opponent and moves the ball with impressive speed he’s fantastic.

“International and European experience? Icardi hasn’t yet had the chance to impose himself in Europe, but he’s started really well in the Champions League.

“Higuain already has his status, so it’s an eight for Mauro and a nine for Gonzalo.”

Bygaby

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