Malick Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori have impressed at the back this season, at least when playing together, and they are the undisputed starters for AC Milan. As highlighted by a report today, the hierarchy is very clear in that sense.
The Derby della Madonnina against Inter has inevitably put a big stain on the Rossoneri’s start to the season. However, as highlighted by Gazzetta Dello Sport, the defensive perrformance also highlighted the foundation of Milan: Malick Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori.
The duo has played from start in all of the games except the derby this season, conceding just two goals in those four games. Torino’s came after a very scrappy situaion, while Roma needed a wicked deflection (that was also after Tomori had been sent off).
Tomori hasn’t always been perfect, making minor mistakes here and there, while Thiaw struggled big time in the derby. Against Newcastle, however, both of them bounced back in the perfect way and showed what they are capable of.
They are not Nesta and Maldini, but in the 18 games they have started together, they have conceded less than one goal every 90 minutes (0.66). As the newspaper concludes, they complement each other very well.
Simon Kjaer and Pierre Kalulu are both question marks, for different reasons, and the pecking order at the back is currently obvious.
Can we go back to 4231 without those inverted fullbacks? I felt more comfortable.
Reijnders behind Giroud with Leao and Puli on the wings. 451 when defending.
meh.. That formation is over. Inverted backs are the future
Ted, we don’t have the personnel for 4231 anymore especially with the way our transfer campaign went. It was really geared towards 433. Who’s going to be double pivots (I’m assuming here Krunic gets a rest)