Whilst AC Milan’s injury crisis in defence plagued the Rossoneri’s chances of Scudetto success, there have been some positives to emerge from the situation, and the biggest is arguably the emergence of Jan-Carlo Simic.
There are two sides to every coin, and whilst it is clear that the injury crisis deeply harmed Milan’s chances of reaching their targets this season, there has also been a benefit to emerge from the situation.
It is worth mentioning Theo Hernandez, who proved himself to be reliable in the heart of defence when required, which will add extra value to him. However, the biggest point of interest has to be Simic – the youngster impressed during pre-season but shone when given the chance to in competitive fixtures.
After scoring on his debut against Monza, he was regularly called upon from the bench and made his first start for the senior side in the 4-1 win against Cagliari in the Coppa Italia. However, he has rarely featured since, likely due to the club not wanting to give the youngster any unneeded pressure or lessen his playing time.
Regardless of his recent lack of exposure to senior football, the 18-year-old has been heavily linked with an international call-up to represent the Serbian Men’s National Team, and today, it was confirmed that he will represent the side in the next set of international fixtures at the end of the month.
This is another encouraging sign for Milan regarding the future of Simic, which is something the club are already looking into. As Calciomercato.com have reported, the club are very aware of his talent and interest in him, so they will look to offer him a renewal when the time is right.
They will waste money on another defender while Simić will be sent out. Seen that before.
I’m also getting that feeling. I hope we’re wrong. This kid needs more time. Going forward the starting pair ought to be Tomori-Gabbia, until Thiaw can show form, and Simic should be getting time as well. Kalulu ought to get time at RB, instead of Florenzi. Now that all of our CBs are available, the last guy I want to see is Kjaer, who is obsolete and not going to be renewed. Unless others are hurt minutes are wasted on him.
I also think Tomori-Gabbia pair is currently most solid. And in my opinion dilemma here is, we already have experienced youth and talent in first team in Thiaw and Kalulu. Therefore Simić automatically falls behind them and he’s in years where he needs consistency and playing time. At the same time Kjaer will likely leave but Simić is too talented to sit behind them all and rot.
Most viable solution is to send him out for the timebeing except if one of Thaiw or Kalulu is sold or we get a coach that plays 3 behind.
True, but I’m just afraid of Simic getting lost in the loan shuffle. My solution would be to classify Kalulu as a RB and and RB only, which would hopefully create enough playing time for Simic as a CB. So basically our first 4 CBs are Tomori, Gabbia, Thiaw and Simic, with Kalulu only coming into the equation as an emergency 5th CB. Meanwhile Kalulu and Calabria would be competing for RB.
Contract expires in 2025 for Simic, it would be hard to renew him if we don’t get an U23 going or have a defined growth plan and possible loan for him. Even right now he’s not playing too much for the Primavera outside of Youth League
Personally, if I was him, I’d hold on to renewing. A lot of the choices for next year center backs will depend on the upcoming months performances for Kalulu and Thiaw.
Wouldn’t be surprised if we sell him as part of a Buongiorno deal or some other player.
Most if not all our defenders are quite good. Compared to Darmian, De Vrij or Astori every single one is probably better. But this is where Inzaghi has been a genius, while Pioli’s more aggressive / reckless, requiring pacey defenders and they all end up breaking sooner or later.
None of our defenders, excluding maybe Kjaer are as good as Astori experience wise, positionally and tactically.
I don’t ever recall Astori have a brain fart like Tomorri, Kalulu … let’s not talk about Thiaw who’s worse than both De Vrij and Darmian … and yeah maybe the pairing Tomori – Kalulu of the scudetto year was solid , but since then things have changed… Kalulu was good till he got the renewal and then started lowering his performances.
Astori was trash with us. It all depends on the times and the manager. Those are 3 of not the fastest defenders on the plant yet they are quite effective together under Inzaghi. I am typically a team Pioli player, but our ability to let in goals easily is the reason why we are inconsistent.
RIP Astori- meant Acerbi. Brain fart.
I would sell Kalulu and Thiaw and with their money buy the best possible option that can be bought with that money. I would choose Goncalo Ognacio (60 mln release clause) or, alternatively, Scalvini. That new CB would join Tomori, Gabbia and Simic. Kalulu is getting injured a lot and Thiaw does not seem reliable enough.