AC Milan are without Luka Modric, meaning that Adrien Rabiot must stand up and be counted as he has many times this season.
Despite growing speculation in recent hours about Modric’s possible return for the final two league games, Milan will be definitely not have their Croatian star on Sunday evening for the game against Atalanta at San Siro.
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This is a significant absence, both technically and emotionally, as was clearly evident in Reggio Emilia in the defeat to Sassuolo as his replacement Ardon Jashari struggled. The Rossoneri need points to get into the top four and must reverse a recent negative run, for which the midfield will be pivotal.
Time for ‘The Duke’
This morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanNews) states that Rabiot is the player most likely to take on the role of leader that Modric had to vacate temporarily after his fractured cheekbone.
The focus is on the midfielder, partly because the other key leader in the dressing room is Mike Maignan, who plays in goal and has less of an impact, and partly because he’s amply demonstrated his ability to lead the team throughout the season.
Milan seem exhausted physically and mentally, so they need their ‘crazy horse’ to keep the team going. Rabiot has done just that in recent weeks: he’s scored the only goal in the last five games. However, more consistency and extra effort are needed in these final three games.
He must set an example to lead the rest of the team to victory. Only in this way will the Diavolo reach the Champions League, only in this way will Allegri remain, only in this way will Rabiot remain, and Modric as well.
While Allegri must rely on his protégé from a moral standpoint, someone needs to be put on the pitch in place of Modric. The obvious replacement is Jashari, but the performance in Reggio Emilia has fueled several doubts in the coach’s mind.
Therefore, the Swiss – who on paper had four opportunities to shine – risks sitting back on the bench. Samuele Ricci was a key figure in that role for Torino and could be deployed in his place as a natural regista.
Yet, there could also be a surprise in Youssouf Fofana, who played in the central position for Monaco and also played deeper under Paulo Fonseca in last year’s two-man midfield. Depending on who starts, the right-sided role will be decided too, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek ready if called upon.
3-4-3/3-4-2-1
only proper investment should be done for ST and for me coach. if Arne Slot stays, or if Liverpool don’t go for Xabi Alonso, I would definitely try him. Allegri I think always shows this problem and teams get fooled by short term success. he’s not as clever with tactics as many other modern coaches.
and no reconstruction needed. 4 weak links out and 6 (starters are only 2-3) in for 25 player squad and well within our budget.
Leao, Nkunku, Puli, Rabiot, behind them Modric, Fofana, Ricci, Goretzka*, Jashari. upfront, new main N9, Gimenez, Sorloth*.
the only additions on top would be Gila*, Grimaldo*, Ake* and all 3 have contracts until 2027. Without Musah, all of the other sales from loans can cover for players with asterisks.
our team would be better than Leverkusen during Neverlosen period, but built similarly.
I’d take the Bournemouth manager,what he’s done with that team , especially losing his best players in the summer is amazing.He also plays fast attacking football as well which we all want to see I’m sure.