Stefano Pioli has gone from a position of considering the right wing to be a weakness to now having two quality options to choose from, and they are fighting it out for a starting spot.
La Gazzetta dello Sport talks about a ‘luxury battle’ between Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze for the spot as the right winger in Pioli’s new 4-3-3 formation, after a summer window which saw the coach get the new options he was looking for.
Pulisic has been with the group longer and he got the nod to start in the first game against Bologna on Monday night. He had a hand in the first goal and scored the second, suggesting he will keep his place in the XI for now.
Pioli summarised things after the match: “I’m satisfied. I asked for certain characteristics in certain roles, strong players in one-on-one situations. A good group is being born, the new players are giving their all to grow and get used to the new things.”
The Nigerian has trained less with his team-mates compared to the American, but he impressed everyone at Milanello and there will be plenty of playing time for him.
Furthermore, the two could soon see each other on the field together given the flexibility of the No.11, capable of occupying more positions up front.
Pulisic started only 10 games out of the 30 he played in last season, with 1 goal and 2 assists scored. Chukwueze started in 39 of his 50 games, racking up 13 goals and 11 assists.
The stats are a contrast, but so are their playing styles. Chukwueze is present everywhere and looks to run in behind the defence or cut inside onto his left foot, while Pulisic likes to cut back and look for team-mates in the middle of the area.
The USA international recorded a successful dribbling percentage of 31.1% last season, with 39% duels won and an average of 2 chances created per game. Chukwueze – fresh off his first season as a starter in Spain – had a 50.2% dribble completion rate, 48% duel wins and averaged 11 goal chances per game.
For THIS Milan, that’s an embarrassment of riches, considering who we had to field last season on the RT.
Given the number of games we have to play, I’m sure both of them will get plenty of minutes this season. Pioli could also slot Puli in the middle, but he would have to track back to help a lot more than he did vs Bologna.
Yes but I cannot see one of either Pulisic or Chuk sitting the bench at 4M season. That is not what either signed up for. So that would mean switching to a 4-2-3-1. Problem with that is who are the double pivots?? RLC drifts up the pitch and is not a ball winner per se so he would have to sit (@4M) and Reinjders has already shown he will likely be indispensable and must start no matter the formation for his ability to attack and defend. So that leaves Musah/Krunic to pair with Reinjders? Interesting. So another 4M player (RLC) would sit. We were adamant about getting rid of bench players that made over 3M/season – so I wonder if we will do the same next – or – if we finally evolved and ownership has realized if you want to compete against the worlds best you need to accumulate lots of talent on the bench as well. We shall see. Great problems to have. Let’s see how Mr Pioli sorts everything out. Should be fun
Nope 433 already good, that can bring the best from rlc,pobega,adili . That 3 player are bad on 4231 double pivot. With pulisic injury record, samuel will get playtime soon . Even if puli not injured , pioli can play samuel at serie A while puli play on CL or coppa italy at mid week , that will save puli from injury risk
Any coach who chooses his starting eleven or tactics based on players’ salaries isn’t a good coach. I doubt Pioli gives a **** about their salaries when he’s thinking about the next matches.
Agreed. But ownership does as evidenced from this past summer and others. They run a lean ship – unless (hopefully) we have finally changed our policy that is. We shall see
I really hope that it won’t be either or; I would like to see both at the same time and I believe Pulisic’ flexibility can allow for that.
Hopefully will allow us to rest Leao on occasion this season, rather than him being forced to come off the bench for the games we tried to rest him last year…
Stefano Pioli you see were you are getting it wrong I have suggested this as Acmilan fans and as analyst that we need Our traditional formation 4-2-3-1 using pulisic as attacking midfield then chukwueze as the right wing other wise chukwueze will start looking for a new club next he will feel is attention his not needed benching him against pulisic is not a right ideal and again we don’t have enough midfielder so why Pioli behaving like this already many Acmilan players are angry because of Pioli new approach this season even me I’m more angry with Pioli I’m not comfortable with Pioli new style we need a change Stefano Pioli if you like give us what we want if you like don’t give us but I will assure you as our head coach if you don’t return to that 4-2-3-1 believe you will be hated by the players and you will end up being sacked period.
Dude…try to use coma and period sign to your sentences. So we’re not confused when read it. 😔😔😔😔😔😔
“other wise chukwueze will start looking for a new club next he will feel is attention his not needed”
LOL. Yeah. So you’re saying he’s a quiter who wants to leave instead of fight for his place? Yeah, we don’t want those kinds of players in Milan. 😀
4-2-3-1
Giroud/Okafor
Laeo Pulisic. Chukwueze
Rejinders. Loftus
Hernandez Tomori. Thiaw. Kalulu
Don’t bench Chukwueze for someone he is better than.
Good idea,I don’t understand pioli sometimes, simple pulisic should move to attacking midfielder while chukwueze attack on d right
“averaged 11 goal chances per game.”
I highly doubt that. “1.1” seems more closer to the truth. 11 chances per game should translate into a hat-trick per game even for a poor finisher. 😀