Samuele Ricci and Ruben Loftus-Cheek should get the chance from start against Atalanta tomorrow, with Massimiliano Allegri hoping to switch things up for Milan.
The last few weeks have been very tough for the Rossoneri, safe to say, and they are now in desperate need of three points. The timing of tomorrow’s Atalanta game thus isn’t the best, even if the Bergamo side haven’t been as prolific this season as in previous years.
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As Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier this morning, quite a few changes are expected to the starting eleven, with Allegri keen on switching things up. The midfield will be one department with some significant changes indeed.
Midfield changes shape
Ardon Jashari got the chance in the Luka Modric role against Sassuolo but he didn’t exactly shine, making a pretty big mistake before the Neroverdi’s first goal. As such, it will be Samuele Ricci’s turn this time out.
The Italian has by no means been brilliant this season, but it’s undeniable that he has been more consistent in his performances than Jashari. A little safety could do Milan well in that role too, so it’s a change that many saw coming after last time out.
In addition to Ricci, Loftus-Cheek should also get the chance from start, taking the role of Youssouf Fofana. While he might not be as dynamic in terms of recoveries and tracking back, the Englishman definitely provides more strength and also offers a threat in attack.
He will surely make his way into the penalty box and that might be exactly what Milan need, seeing as a box presence has been one of their main struggles this season. All things considered, it will be a slightly different shape to the midfield tomorrow.
They will add nothing.
Jashari and Fofana haven’t had much effect either, so ……
Fofana playing out of position, like so many players under this manager. His position is in the middle in front of the defense. If anything in this system, RLC should play as a second striker behind Gimenez. Leao and Pulisic are out of form (and also out of position) and this way RLC would also add a little more muscle as he defends more than Leao and Pulisic, albeit less than Fofana. It’s the perfect placing for him.
Fofana is not out of position. He isn’t a 6 just because he claims to be one. He never played as one. He was in a double pivot.
RLC is good at driving the ball forward and making runs into the box. Is is almost like a #9. Now the question is can they get him service other then corner kicks.
RLC’s big chance to find a new club for the next season. Hope he’ll make the most of it.