Stankovic’s dazzling City showcase fuels Inter hopes

In Lucerne, Aleksandar Stankovic, then a young playmaker under coach Mario Frick, dribbled past a question about his father and declared, “I am Ale and I dream of playing for Inter.” Two years later he delivered a near‑perfect passing performance against City, reinforcing that ambition.

Against City, Stankovic positioned himself in the midfield and distributed the ball with astonishing accuracy. He completed 15 of 16 passes in the opponent’s half, 16 of 17 in his own half, for a total of 33 successful passes, and landed six precise long balls.

He also unleashed a right‑footed shot that was neutralised by goalkeeper Donnarumma, who later raised his gloves after a coast‑to‑coast run. After an hour on the pitch, Stankovic departed to a standing ovation as the City side, missing Rodri but still threatening, watched.

Un his father Dejan Stankovic won the Belgian championship as a starter with Bruges, a fact well known to Belgian followers. The senior Stankovic’s legacy adds weight to Aleksandar’s rise. Dejan’s career is frequently recalled when discussing the junior’s potential.

Last season Aleksandar operated mainly as a mezzala, netting nine goals across 54 appearances. Those figures highlight his capacity to contribute both defensively and offensively.

Inter secured his return by paying a €23 million buy‑back fee, a sum described as far from low. The club also turned down offers reportedly worth €40 million. Currently, he is being trialled as a secondary option to Calhanoglu after the departure of Chivu.

Così Stankovic junior is already carving a place at Inter through his versatility as mezzala, regista and incursore. Performances such as the one against City could cement his confirmation within the Nerazzurri squad.