While Stefano Pioli might have declared that he is happy with how the midfield currently looks, there remains the possibility that a signing will arrive to complete the department.
La Gazzetta dello Sport writes that Rade Krunic will be at the base of the new-look midfield as he is today at the top of the hierarchies, but the idea of giving depth to that particular position – namely the shield for the back four – is tempting.
There are two names that stand out above all: Nicolas Dominguez and Marko Grujic. The Argentine could leave Bologna in the coming weeks and Milan are just one of the clubs that have their eyes on him, while the Serbian might choose to depart Porto in pursuit of a new challenge.
Initially, the starter in the No.6 role will be Krunic. He is seen by Pioli as an all-rounder with guaranteed performance, given the Bosnian has played almost everywhere in recent years and the summer friendlies have given more than a few clues about his role.
He arrived in 2019 from Empoli for around €8m and after being the playmaker and the winger before, he will be the man of balance now.
Dominguez would give Pioli a quality player returning from his best season in Serie A having amassed 3 goals in the last year, with 2 assists, in 34 games.
With Bologna he mainly occupied the left side of the midfield and compared to Krunic he boasts better passing stats (average of 35.8 completed per 90 against the Bosnian’s 32.2) and recoveries (5.5). His contract expires in 2024 and the price tag stands at €15m.
Grujic is more a player of power and substance, and represents a more physical element at 1.90m tall and sizeable physique. With Porto he aamssed 33 appearances in the last season, with 1 goal and 1 assist on the scoresheet.
His contract is expiring in 2026 and his cost shouldn’t exceed €10m but his passing (26.3 completed per game) and the data on balls recovered (4 per game) put him below Krunic. Furlani and Moncada are thinking about it.
Below, the outlet provide a graph comparing key passes, completed passes and balls recovered per 90 minutes, as well as the average rating per game (top) and the heat map (bottom).
