Inter Milan hero Lothar Matthaus admits he's a fan of Nicolo Barella.

The Italy international has had an injury plagued season so far with the Nerazzurri.

But Matthaus says he can see himself in the midfielder: "It is true there are similarities. At 23, he is still young, he is at Inter and is joined by (Arturo) Vidal, (Marcelo) Brozovic and (Roberto) Gagliardini.

"He is certainly on the right track. He is not only a strong player, but he also works a lot. He has great potential and has perfectly understood the responsibilities of a modern central midfielder with all it's facets."