Well, 2021 is at a close, and in December, football across Europe either hots up or cools down as many of the major nations take a break for the Christmas period. Despite this, most sides managed at least 4/5 games before the break, including reigning champions of Italy, and likely soon to be retaining champions of Italy, Inter Milan. Despite their summer clear out of staff and players, they are still cruising at the top of the table, and had a near perfect month in December, only conceding goals in the 2-0 Champions League loss to Real Madrid, however stayed unbeatable in the league for the entire month.

One of the key reasons for their success, is Turkish attacking midfielder, Hakan Calhanoglu. The midfielder had a total of 6 goal involvements in his 5 league games in the month, and has been names WhoScored? Serie A player of the season so far. At the halfway point of the league, with things looking almost done and dusted, Calhanoglu will be hoping to continue his impressive form into the new year and beyond.

As always, if you disagree or have anything to add to our pick of the month, head over to Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) and let us know what you think.

Match By Match

December 1st: Inter Milan 2-0 Spezia – The month got off to a steady start individually for Calhanoglu, however the dominant form for Inter was in effect from the offing, with the reigning champions cruising to a 2-0 win at home to Spezia. Calhanoglu was still involved throughout, making the most dribbles in the game (2), creating the most chances (6) and making the most tackles (2). An 8.2/10 rating for his efforts in a solid team performance.

December 4th: Roma 0-3 Inter Milan – In arguably an even more impressive performance, result and individual showing, Calhanoglu was essential in the 3-0 win away to Mourinho’s Roma. Playing 83 minutes in this one, Calhanoglu opened the scoring inside 15 minutes, and set up the 2nd for teammate and former Roma man Dzeko. Winning player of the match, the goal involvements had begun with this showing, and with his side keeping back to back clean sheets, they are looking behind them at the top.

December 12th: Inter Milan 4-0 Cagliari – After the loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League which ended Inter’s clean sheet and victory run, Cagliari were victims as the reigning Serie A champions took their frustrations out on their opponents in this one. Calhanoglu played 76 minutes and had a 9/10 rating, after netting another goal and setting up his 2nd of the month. With back to back goals and assists in the league, Calhanoglu has shown his importance to the side. Although not the man of the match, his stats make great reading, with 2 goal involvements, 3 shots in total, 4 chances created, 3 key passes and 5 recoveries. Yet another great performance from the Turkish international.

December 17th: Salernitana 0-5 Inter Milan – Things got even better for Inter and Calhanoglu, as he received his highest rating of the month (9.5/10) for his efforts in the 5-0 drubbing of Salernitana. Setting up the 1st and 3rd goal for his side, he was man of the match, and brought his goal involvements to 6 for the month. His other important stats include making the most passes (89) and creating the most chances (12) of anyone on the pitch. The Turkish international was the outlet for his side as they cruised to yet another victory and clean sheet, and things look almost done and dusted in Serie A.

December 22nd: Inter Milan 1-0 Torino – In the final game of the month and year for Inter Milan, ahead of the Christmas break, the champions maintained their league record of remaining unbeaten and without conceding for the month. Calhanoglu had his most quiet game of the month, only playing 69 minutes and receiving a 6.7/10 for his efforts. He couldn’t make his mark on the game, but his side did enough to keep their run going, and Calhanoglu did enough in his previous performances to earn him the final NextGoalWinner POTM award for Europe in 2021.