It’s been over a month since Santiago Gimenez last scored a goal and as highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport, it could be time for Sergio Conceicao to try something else.
Mexico will be up against Panama tonight for the final of the Concacaf Nations League, and after failing to score against Canada, Gimenez will be looking to break his goal drought. Indeed, the Milan striker hasn’t scored since February 18 (!).
Since the goal against Feyenoord at San Siro, as Gazzetta dello Sport continues (see photo below), the Mexican has remained dry. Zero highlights against Turin, Bologna, Lazio, Lecce, Como and Canada. It’s been six games, but Gimenez’s difficulties aren’t solely measured by goals.
In some games, including the last one against Como, looked like a fish out of water. Willing, yes, but not very useful to the cause. His characteristics aren’t exactly suited to playing with his back to the goal, yet against Bologna, Lazio and Como – to cite the latest examples – he was never the most advanced player on the pitch (average position).
It’s a clear indicator of how Conceicao wants him to drop down and help in the build-up. Gimenez is humble and willing to sacrifice, but the results of his work haven’t been very satisfactory so far. In fact, recently the Rossoneri have benefited from bringing on Tammy Abraham, more suited to the game.
And Gimenez? Milan should aim to find him as close to the opponent’s goal as possible. Of course, his physical condition and luck (see the wasted opportunities against Torino, Bologna and Lecce) aren’t at their best either, but a €30m investment is worth the attempt to recover.
I don’t understand what these people are doing for them to continue to make such dumb decisions.
I high doubt Santi Gimenez was the type of striker Milan needed based on his characteristics but we shelled out 35m anyway to sign him.
I would have taken Icardi on a dry loan or Hoijlund on loan with an option to buy rather than taking such a huge gamble on player who has no Serie A experience in the January market.
What a bunch of bozos.
Santi is a fox in the box but keeps having to drop deeper to get service. He will continue to struggle if we dont make tactical changes.
Tammy is better suited for a link up play forward which is how Milan has been playing so far. Not sure why we’re jamming square pegs into round holes.
Having said that, there’s a lot to work with when it comes to Santi, but he has to improve his first touch which often lets him down thus far. Also we picked him up with a knock, or an injury right before the transfer and it doesn’t seem like he’s fully fit yet either.
Add to that only a month in a new league with new team mates and all of a sudden it’s not a real mystery why he’s struggling. Next season should be more telling.
Santi is not getting service from the midfielders, in this Milan system.
He drops low to get some balls but this way he’s out of position.
So what do we expect?
It is up to Mister, to change the system in order to make him a killer again.