Inter Milan manager Leonardo has praised the performance of Yuto Nagatomo, who was extremely good against Sampdoria on Sunday.

Nagatomo, who usually plays left-back, filled in at right-back on this day for Brazilian World Cup defender Maicon, the player he regards as the best fullback in the world.

Former Kashima Antlers man Leonardo said Nagatomo made the transition beautifully as Inter moved within a couple points of leaders AC Milan in the championship race.

"He has an uncanny ability to adapt to change," Leonardo said. "He can do it on the left or the right, in attacking midfield too. But I'm not the least bit surprised by it because I have been watching him since he was playing in Japan.