Reports during the international break suggested that Noah Okafor would be given an opportunity when AC Milan returned, and he certainly took it.
With suggestions that Rafael Leao was unable to start against Udinese due to missing Thursday’s training session, the opportunity for Okafor opened, and it is likely he would’ve been given a chance regardless of the Portuguese winger’s condition.
The reports throughout the break had claimed that it was the Swiss winger’s opportunity to prove his worth to Milan, and with the January mercato approaching, there was a need to show signs of his ability which have not been seen for too long.
It is clear that the Swissman got the message, because in the early stages of the game, he was unplayable, creating threats at every opportunity with most of the play going down his side of the pitch.
As was the story with the rest of the team, the winger fought for everything, displaying the character that Fonseca demanded before the game. Because of this, Calciomercato.com writes that because he is mentally and physically fit, and partnered with his versatility, he could be a solution for the Rossoneri. Perhaps, as an alternative to Leao, or maybe even a competitor for Tammy Abraham.
He is also Inconsistent but unlike leao he’s also injured a lot. But there is potential in him. He definitely does put more effort than leao. Okafor is a proper pit bull off the ball
His finishing is subpar. Had he been a slightly better finisher, he could have gotten double the amount of goals he already scored.
He does also seem to be a mis-understood player. When he is used as a striker, people say “no he is a left wing”, and when he plays as a left wing, people say “no he is a striker”. I remember Switzerland’s coach complaining about Pioli mis-using him. With Salzburg, he was a striker in a double striking system with Sesko.
I don’t understand how Okafor and Chukwueze are better players than Messias or even Saelemaekers. They’re just more hyped.
Yea at this point you’re absolutely correct especially with Chuk, Pioli did provide him with chances but Okafor really hasn’t been given enough chances to show what he can do on a consistent basis
Okafor did produce the same G+A as Messias did despite playing around 700 to 900 minutes less each season.
Outside of 2020/21 (3 goals and 7 assists), Saelemakers never produced more than 7 G+A despite playing about 2000 minutes or more each season. So I don’t see how any of them are better than him.
For Chukwueze, well…
That’s the key point – next people will be saying CDK’s as good as Rui Costa. It’s getting ridiculous.