Among the intriguing notes from AC Milan’s preseason friendlies was Yacine Adli and the role that he was used in by head coach Stefano Pioli.
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La Gazzetta dello Sport recall how at the beginning of August it seemed as though Adli was nailed on to leave. There was tentative interest from Ajax, while his agents received some enquiries from the Bundesliga and LaLiga.
It was expected that things would accelerate when the Milan squad landed back at Malpensa on August 3 after their USA tour and since then nothing significant has happened.
Pioli has changed formations to a three-man midfield and he actually deployed Adli in front of the defence as a classic regista-type player directing the play at the base of the midfield, which is decidedly different to what was expected when he signed from Bordeaux.
The plans of the management have not changed: Adli remains on the list of players who can leave if the right offer were to arrive, but he is not like Divock Origi and Fode Ballo-Toure who are being more obviously forced out.
There remains a possibility that Adli will stay as we reported yesterday – perhaps as deputy to Rade Krunic – mostly because for the moment he lacks a strong suitor.
Summer 2023 saw the Franco-Algerian take part in five friendlies for a total of 234 minutes, which is hardly nothing. The last game against Novara game some good signs which enthused the fans again.
Many are wondering whether it would not be worth keeping him because of his versatility and his obvious quality on the ball. Nonetheless, a change is needed from Pioli too and more trust.
The 23-year-old played 138 minutes last season spread over six matches and just one start. From Milanello there were reports filtering about problems with the intensity, of adaptation to the pace of Serie A, where quick feet are not enough if they are not combined with competitive fury and speed of execution.
Adli has vision and high-level technique, but tends to disappear from the scene when the opponents tighten their marking and when Milan are under pressure.
