A lot has been said about the struggles of Santiago Gimenez and Christopher Nkunku for AC Milan this season; now, they could be offered a break.
The pressure on the strikers at Milan is high. Ultimately, both arrived this year for big money, and neither has really provided anything of note so far. Of course, there have been moments for both, but they are underwhelming to say the least.
One could argue the other side of the coin, with the fact that both have been forced into starts, rather than really being selected. Perhaps that adds a layer of pressure, but the facts are clear. The Rossoneri are not getting value from them.
No Nine
This weekend, Massimiliano Allegri has a decision to make, especially given that his team will be boosted with some key returns. Adrien Rabiot returns in the midfield, but the big point of intrigue will be the situation of Christian Pulisic.
Before his injury, the American was in fantastic form, scoring four goals in six games, and he, logically, should come back into the starting XI if he is ready to. But for whom?
Well, Calciomercato.com report that the current idea is to start without a striker, with Rafael Leao starting alongside his American star. Of course, this would be a risk for Allegri, starting without a recognised striker; however, it also sends a needed message.
If he can’t trust his strikers, he will play his make-shift ones, who are delivering. Whilst he won’t say it publicly – as he knows they are needed – his decisions in these moments will be telling of their position in the hierarchy.
Sitting Santi and Chris could be the right move, as long as he talks to them about it beforehand. Allegri is smart and will approach it as a positive for the players instead of a punishment. But the bottom line is that both players need a re-set.
Fofana needs a re-set too. He’s gone from place holding to liability over the last four games.
yes on Fofana. On paper he’s the box to box ideal player. He could help Modric defend and has some attacking ability. RLC is better going forward but he’s lazy defending. Ricci isnt as good (though he’s improving) going forward. That’s why Allegri likes Fofana. Perhaps Jashari is the answer. OR perhaps Fofana just needs a reset. Players have dips and peaks, he did bad a few games, doesnt mean we just ship them out somewhere.
I would start Nkunku and bring Pulisic on as a sub since it’s his first game back. Normally, start him and Leao but maybe bring him on at the 70th minute. He has also proven effective off the bench
It’s pretty simple, if Pulisic and Leao are healthy, they both start (ALWAYS). It was the plan at the start of the season and there’s no reason to back out now. IF Leao has a little discomfort then you play Gimenez or if Puli can’t start yet, then you play Nkunku from the start. The actual problem will arise if Nkunku starts lighting it up, then how do you play all 3 and still maintain the defensive structure without hindering one of those three’s ability to attack? 433 would make sense but it seems the backline really benefits from the 3 CBs so idk, it’s a pickle.
I’d suggest an interesting opportunity that creates headaches for late game opposition.
Assuming all are in form as you say.
3412 with Nkunku as the 10. At the 70 bring on Gimenez and transition to 3421. Nkunku can slide out to the left of Rafa need a break or he and Pulisic feed Gimenez and pop up all over the place.
The upside is that our defensive shape with 3 back and 2 in the middle remains consistent and solid.
The reality I think is it won’t work as we are too thin on front line attackers even if we count RLC. Not enough depth for injuries and not enough variety of play to change the way we play beyond Gimenez
who would be in the AM (behind the strikers). That’s the key position in your set up. In essence it is removing a midfielder who can defend (Ricci, Fofana, even RLC) in favor of an attacker (Puli or Nkunku).
That set up leaves just 2 real midfielders. Modric and Rabiot.
Could be dangerous… it’s a pickle no dobt
Agree, start Leao and Pulisic with decent alternatives when needed. I do think Milan’s patience with Gimenez has run it’s course, maybe a different alternate come January? I’d hang onto Gimenez though, he may be good option when Milan needs to press the opposing defense. He is a hard worker.
Go on Max, give em the 5-5-0!
What a nonsense article. Its quite clear that our best line up is with Puli and Leao. In fact, we can do great things if this comes out good. So heaving both fit finally should not be considered as problem.
Why not try Pavlović as a striker?
he is strong, tall and good with his head, with a good striker instinct. His unpredictable footwork confuses the defenders, I am sure he could score a few goals for us during this time.
I’ve told this before, he’s fast and has good eye on goal, but frankly this would be an extreme change and risky from CB to ST for this big match and not what he’s been trained for. And striker also need different team work with other player
There is this tall guy that scored 3 goals in the bus parking lot of San Siro before the last game. Why not him?
IMO, because he’s good in the role he’s in. We’ve found a way to make him work, let him do the kamikaze runs whilst being covered for.
Pulisic, Leao, Nkunku and Gimenez are our strikers. Who cares if they are a pure or classical striker (limited) our can play everywhere in the attack (versatile).
Pulisic have 6 goals in 8 games (419 minutes)
Leao have 4 goals in 7 games (380 minutes)
Nkunku have 1 goal in 7 games (253 minutes)
Gimenez have 1 goal in 11 games (768 minutes)
Its pretty obvious who our best strikers are, and its not the “classical” strikers.
If Allegri start Pulisic and Leao vs Parma he starts with the best possible attack we have. Pulisic also runs as much as Gimenez so his work rate will be covered.
R-L-C looked real good when he came on vs Roma and he and Nkunku will be good second half subs for Leao/Pulisic.