AC Milan didn’t exactly have a disappointing season, they just didn’t achieve much. And while the team is full of very old players (remember Oddo?), there is a project in place, this project starts with Allegri, a new, relatively young, and attacking coach. While maybe this upcoming season might not be the best for the rossoneri, the seasons to follow could be more successful. And the reason for this success is that AC Milan has some promising youngsters which will eventually come through. Youngsters which will replace Ronaldinho and play alongside Pato, ones which are considered the next Gattuso, and others the next Drogba, but right now, AC Milan will need to fight.
New signings
AC Milan can’t boast about many new signings, their best signing has to be Kevin-Prince Boateng, on loan from Genoa who bought him from Portsmouth. Boateng at 23 years-old is a very promising midfielder, and he will give plenty of movement and some goals for Milan, but he’ll need some support. His support is Papastathopoulos, bought from Genoa, and Yepes, bought from Chievo. Two defenders who will be useful, but aren’t going to last very long, especially Yepes who is only 34 years-old. The other player which AC Milan got this transfer market is Amelia on loan from Genoa, and hopefully the Italian keeper can finally solve the problem of who will play between the posts for Milan.
What’s missing
Strangely enough, AC Milan look relatively prepared for this upcoming season, while there’s plenty of old players which will need to think about retiring, the team is prepared. Boateng will provide a dynamic impact which was missing, and “Papa” along with Yepes will secure the defense in case any injuries occur. Maybe another young but experienced midfielder could be used, but there’s no urgency for AC Milan in the transfer market.
Formation
With AC Milan, Allegri will probably try a 4-3-3, starting with Amelia in goal, a defense made up of “Papa”, Nesta, Thiago Silva, and Antonini; a midfield three of Flamini, Pirlo, and either Boateng or Ambrosini; and an attack with Ronaldinho on the left, Pato on the right, and Borriello as a center-forward. It’s known that Allegri has been making the team do lots of heavy fitness work, mostly in hope of a team which will be able to run around and play well for full 90 minutes.
As for AC Milan’s future, here are 5 names which will probably one day become part of the AC Milan starting 11; Giacomo Beretta, a Drogba like center-forward; Rodney Strasser, the next Gattuso with plenty of strength; Mitja Novinic, a midfielder who has great tactical gifts; Nnamdi Oduamadi, extremely fast Robinho like forward, a creative presence with deadly finishing; and Alexander Merkel, very similar to Fabregas and very good even without the ball. These five names may seem meaningless now, but they’ve already become part of the AC Milan project. They are the future, they will be the names which one day will inspire children to wear the rossoneri shirt, but for now, AC Milan will have to fight.
How do you think AC Milan will do this season? Will Allegri succeed with his fitness regime? Share your thoughts by commenting!
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Hi Niccolo,
You’ve pointed out to some young players who have the potential to be stars and I think you are turning the attention to the main concern:
Milan’s players are relatively old and it’s time to mix veterans with youth players who will gain experience, mature and provide hunger as well as drive.
I like Merkel and Strasser. I am thinking if Milan can get Ibrahimovic on loan they will be dangerous. I wrote this about Milan recently:
http://footballitaliano.co.uk/article.aspx?id=1462
Yes, Milan are very similar to the Italian national team for me, they’ve got a lot of old players, and a couple of stars which should break through. I agree with you, Merkel is a very promising player, and Strasser is also ready to play in the Serie A this season.
As for getting Zibra on loan, I really don’t think it will happen. The Swede demands high wages, and the relations between Barca and Milan aren’t very good, or at least not like Barca is with Inter.
Btw Rami, nice article, how many websites do you write for?
Hi Niccolo,
It seems Milan might get Ibrahimovic on loan while sending Borriello the other way. By doing this, they dont have to pay cash to sign Ibra while they will also save on Borriello’s wages by sending him to Barca for the season. I believe Barca will cover a portion of Ibra’s salary while he’s on loan with Milan.
The Rossoneri can sign him permanently next summer. This could be an ideal way for both clubs. I enjoyed reading your preview of Fiorentina. I hope they can overcome Jovetic’s injury and Mutu’s suspension because I like their playing style. Thanks I will write you on Twitter.
I also heard rumblings about this possible deal, but I don’t see how Borriello would be of any use to Barcelona, they’ve got plenty of other forwards, and I’d prefer to keep Ibra and maybe make him gel in well with the rest of the team. Strange deal, but if it happens then AC Milan could begin to think about challenging Inter for the title.
You are right, signing Ibra could transform Milan into title challengers because they will have an attacking force composed of Pato, Ibra and Ronaldinho. That’s a very solid lineup in attack.