Ruben Loftus-Cheek is suspended for AC Milan’s next game against Lecce and Stefano Pioli must decide which midfielder will take his place.
As reported by Calciomercato.com, there are a handful of players that could replace Loftus-Cheek in the starting lineup but the coach could also choose to change shape.
Loftus-Cheek picked up a yellow card against Fiorentina in the most recent match which ended 2-1 to the Rossoneri, with Loftus-Cheek scoring.
One problem for Pioli is that Loftus-Cheek has carved out a role as the attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, but there is not necessarily a natural replacement for the No.10 role in this Milan squad.
The most feasible idea right now is to push Reijnders forward into Loftus-Cheek’s position, and then pair Yacine Adli and Ismael Bennancer in the midfield two.
There is an alternative option available though which would perhaps offer more attacking intent. Pioli could decide to move the in-form Pulisic into the centre of the pitch, allowing the rejuvenated Samuel Chukwueze to start on the right wing.
This would be a statement of intent from Pioli and it would allow him to see Pulisic in another role, but the intensity Lecce showed against AS Roma on Matchday 30 could force the coach into a more conservative approach.
“intensity Lecce showed against AS Roma on Matchday 30 could force the coach into a more conservative approach”
Imo this mean we should start with midfield pair of Reijnders-Bennacer… So Pulisic in CAM role. Against opponent with high intensity I think Adli is more risky
I think the implication of the Lecce intensity statement is that he WON’T play Pulisic as AMC, but rather one of the central midfielders, regardless of who he pairs in the double pivot. I think it should be Bennacer and Musah in the double pivot, with Reijnders pushed up to CAM, but I also think we’ll be fine regardless if it’s Reijnders and Bennacer with Pulisic at CAM. Lecce will only be able to show so much intensity having to mind the freight train that is our left side. Roma had no equivalent, as they played with Zalewski and Baldanzi on the flanks.
Knowing Pioli, Bennacer is going to play there as he has done so before. And the it’s the typical Deers-whoever combo at pivot
I think Pioli will play Adli/Musah-Bennacer with Reijnders as AM.
He will likely put Reijnders there with Ali and Bennacer to cover. But I would like to see Puli there with Chuk on the wing.