Koni De Winter is heading for his fifth start in the last six games, and although there were concerns initially, the former Genoa man has grown into his role.
Ahead of the January window, more specifically after the games against Sassuolo and Napoli (Supercoppa), there was a lot of discussion about the centre-back position at Milan. De Winter, who arrived for around €20m in the summer, hadn’t exactly impressed at that point.
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Above all, he struggled in the physical battles, often losing out even when strikers had their backs towards the goal. However, over two weeks have passed and Milan still have’t signedf a centre-back, which the Belgian might have something to do with.
Evident growth
Indeed, if there were initially concerns about De Winter, these have almost vanished after some very good performances by the 23-year-old. Against Cagliari and Como, he got a 6.5/10 in our player ratings and was also solid against Fiorentina with a 6/10.
It might sound a bit silly to talk about growth when there haven’t been any hugely standout performances, but the reality is that Milan only needed him to get to an acceptable standard (and perhaps a little more). After all, solidity is what his position requires in Massimiliano Allegri’s system.
Against Lecce tomorrow, it looks like he will get the chance again, which would be his fifth start in six games. Strahinja Pavlovic still has a head wound and would need to play with a mask of sorts, so it makes sense to continue with De Winter.
At this point he should start over Tomori, who’s obviously out of form
Yeah when Pavlovic is back it might be time to give Tomori som rest too. At least we got 4 cbs on about the same level to rotate between. And they do all work well together now after 6 months together. The only problem we have right now defensively is on set pieces.
Tomori was not playing so good in the last games. When Pavlovic is back maybe De Winter will take Tomori spot
It would also bei nice to have a Backup for Bartesaghi who isn’t shit so we can rest the kid or play him as a central defender.
Headline should read:
“Obvious Talent Improves With Minutes”
Hopefully the same luxury will be afforded Jashari and to a lesser extent, Ricci.
100% on point
While De Winter is improving, Estupinian 🤡 is turning into shіt
Turning into? LOL, he has been that since day one. I think you meant “turning into even sh1ttier”.
😁
Estupinian is a mystery. He was so good at Brighton in a league with much higher tempo. I can see him struggling with the tactical part of the italian league, but at least he should be able to keep a much higher pace throuought the games and just run up and down and pump in crosses. Hes not doing that either now. Can hardly pass the ball at the moment.
Playin for Brighton is not the same as playing for Milan. Our Management must understand that the have to evaluate the players mentality and not make the same mistakes with CDK or Emerson Royal.
Exactly. These former PL players come to Milan and think they’re on vacation now. Playing in the PL and against the likes of City, Liverpool and Arsenal, is much tougher than Serie A, and I think they arrive thinking they’re going to take their foot off the gas and still achieve the same performance.