# Barella's Playing Time Statistics: A Detailed Analysis at Inter Milan
Luka Modrić's successor, Marcelo Brozović, and his fellow Croatian international, Ivan Perišić, are not the only stars of the Inter Milan team. The man often overlooked is Mateo Barella, whose contributions on the pitch have been invaluable to the Italian giants. Analyzing his playing time statistics at Inter Milan gives us a glimpse into the impact he has made on the club since his arrival.
## Early Career and Arrival at Inter Milan
Barella, born on March 10, 1997, began his professional career at his hometown club, Hellas Verona. He quickly made a name for himself in Serie A, showcasing his defensive capabilities, as well as his ability to read the game and provide assists. In 2018, Inter Milan saw the potential in the young Croatian and acquired him for a reported €20 million.
## Playing Time Evolution
Since his arrival, Barella has become a vital component of Inter Milan's midfield. Over the years, his playing time has grown significantly, reflecting his increasing role in the team.
- **2018/2019 Season**: Playing primarily as a defensive midfielder, Barella made 26 appearances, totaling 2,050 minutes on the pitch. His role was more defensive than offensive during this season.
- **2019/2020 Season**: With the emergence of Conte's 3-5-2 formation, Barella saw his playing time skyrocket. He appeared in 34 matches, accumulating 3,030 minutes. His role evolved into a more offensive-focused defensive midfielder, with 2 goals and 5 assists to his name.
- **2020/2021 Season**: During this campaign, Barella solidified his spot as a key player in the Inter Milan midfield. He played in 41 matches, totaling 3,540 minutes, and scored 4 goals while providing 5 assists. His versatility allowed him to adapt to various positions across the midfield.
- **2021/2022 Season**: With the arrival of new manager Simone Inzaghi, Barella continued to be a crucial player for Inter Milan. He featured in 39 matches, clocking up 3,310 minutes and contributing with 2 goals and 6 assists.
## Conclusion
Mateo Barella has come a long way since his arrival at Inter Milan. From a defensive midfielder to a versatile playmaker, his growth has been nothing short of remarkable. His consistent playing time and contributions to the team have not gone unnoticed. As Inter Milan continues to compete for titles, the role of Mateo Barella in the club's future looks promising.