GdS: Bennacer’s possible new role under Stefano Pioli

By Oliver Fisher -

New AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli could potentially use Ismael Bennacer in a slightly different role, a report claims.

Bennacer arrived during the summer from Empoli in a deal believed to be worth €16million plus €2m in potential bonuses, fresh off the back of having been named the African Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament.

Most expected him to be an instant starter as the regista under Marco Giampaolo, however the coach instead alternated him with Lucas Biglia, meaning he has amassed just 272 minutes of action thus far.

Bennacer will return to Milanello on Wednesday after his commitments with the Algerian national team and will therefore have his first contact with the new coach Pioli. 

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews.it), the former Empoli was bought to be a regista, but it cannot be excluded that he is used as a mezz’ala under Pioli in a similar way to how Franck Kessie is deployed.

The same outlet recently reported that Biglia is expected to be central to Pioli’s plans, so it is perhaps an indication that the manager wants to find space for Bennacer elsewhere in the side.


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