Simon Kjaer’s name will be on AC Milan’s team sheet right in the heart of the defence tonight when they take on Udinese, but his future beyond this season has been thrust into doubt.
During his pre-match press conference on the eve of the game, head coach Stefano Pioli was asked about Kjaer’s impact and in particular the positive numbers that Milan have when he plays.
“The defensive phase must be done as a team, we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves and communicate, this is also useful for tomorrow’s match,” he said.
“Then, I know Kjaer’s numbers very well because the boy often repeats them to me (laughs). They tell us that he is a leader, Simon is an emotional, technical leader.
“He knows how to speak well and a lot, he knows how to take a stand. As for the future, it is too early to talk about the future of each of us.”
Calciomercato.com recall how the Dane arrived in January 2020 and he was one of the protagonists of the journey that brought Milan back to success domestically with the Scudetto win and the run in the Champions League last season.
He is a leader, and the data from Sofascore shows how Kjaer – in the periods in which he has been available – has had an important impact on the defensive phase for the Rossoneri.
This is demonstrated by the 0.5 interceptions per game, the 1.3 tackles found per match, the 3.5 recovered balls on average and the 0 errors that led to opposition goals.
But that’s not all: Kjaer has won 56% of duels in Serie A games, of which 61% were on the ground and 52% in the air. Numbers which, it must be clarified, are from 11 games given his availability was reduced by muscle fatigue.
However premature mid-January may be, Kjaer’s contract expires on June 30th. The will of the defender has always been clear: to extend for at least another season (if not two) to thus end his career with the Rossoneri.
The pitch will have the final say, but, as things currently stand there have not been any talks nor have the directors reached out.
The management’s decision seems to have already been made though, and the silence suggests that this will be his last season, though things can of course change starting with a good showing in Udine.
Please give him another year. His experience and leadership on and off the pitch is needed. I also like the Kjaer and Gabbia partnership 💪💪
He won’t see the field much if they give him another year. With Thiaw, Tomori, Gabbia and whoever else they decide to bring in, Kjaer would hardly get a start in.