AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli named Charles De Ketelaere as the starting attacking midfielder in a much-changed line-up against Bologna, but once again he did not convince.
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As Calciomercato.com report, the most expensive purchase of the summer transfer window after the Scudetto win simply cannot shake off the fear of making a mistake, something which does not correspond with what is expected at a club like Milan.
Scoring zero goals after he netted 18 with Club Brugge last season is a disappointment but it goes beyond that and is a tactical issue. Up until the game against Monza away from home, the Belgian had also got in the right areas to create the right conditions for scoring.
However, now he’s struggling with confidence and seems to be floundering in the No.10 role. He does not seem a good fit for this Milan side which relies heavily on counter-attacking and breaking at speed, meaning his signing currently looks like a ‘tactical as well as an economic misunderstanding’.
De Ketelaere cost €35m which is a lot for a budget-conscious club like Milan, and he will not be sold after one season given there would be money lost, so now the time has come for Pioli to find a solution.
The first step, however, must come from the player who has had the necessary time to adapt and understand what he can bring to the team. Once positive signs are seen, more will be understood about his potential position.
