The primary reason behind Stefano Pioli’s continued use of Rade Krunic in his AC Milan side is the tactical versatility that the Bosnian possesses, a report claims.
As has been reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pioli has stuck by Krunic through moments where many fans have been left wondering what it is that the midfielder actually offers to the team.
He has been starting games in the absence of Ismael Bennacer recently, rather than Tommaso Pobega or Aster Vranckx who are more orthodox central midfielders.
The reason Pioli enjoys having him in the team is that he can play in almost every position on the pitch. He has played out wide in attack, he often plays in a central attacking role, he can play at the base of the midfield and he has even popped up at full-back before.
That is a very valuable trait to have and Pioli knows it.
Yep, is the notorious ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’… which doesn’t mean he’s not a useful player.
Yep.
And these utility players are particularly useful because they can reduce the disruption caused by having too many players swapping in and out.
Nearly every great side has had players who played across positions: Butt at Man Utd covered across all midfield four even for Giggs and Beckham, Ambrosini at Milan used to cover across the midfield three even covering for Pirlo and Seedorf, and even Iniesta (who was very talented) still played across the midfield and front three.
This is why it’s so misguided to dismiss players as “average” or “not to Milan standard” or whatever, or to demand 2-3 players for every position. It’s not about ability but consistency and familiarity.
Krunic is great, always gives 100% and works in any system
The notorious quote ends in “..but often times better than a master of one”. If you don’t leave out half the quote it actually makes sense
If you have no alternatives play with K. But if you have Vrancks play with Wrancks. He is better in any way, save experience
Sadly fans always mocked Krunic despite the guy played well and made important contributions.
His salary isn’t big and he never make any drama either unlike players such as Kebab Snake, Dollaruma, or Cashie who always been praised by some in people in here.
What’s the use of that “versatilty” if almost every single time he plays there’s a more competent alternative on the bench.
While that is true, he isn’t overly good at any role whatsoever.
It’s fine to play him against Monza, Salernitania etc but not who you want playing if we have to play Bayern, Madrid or PSG level teams any time soon.
Needs to remind you that Krunic played well for 90+ minutes against Tottenham. So he could played well against Bayern, Madrid, or PSG.
And Bayern, Madrid, or PSG are not unbeatable team like you or some people think. This season Madrid lost 1-0 against Mallorca who sit at 8th rank in La Liga, Bayern lost 3-2 against Monchengladbach who sit at 8th rank in Bundesliga, and PSG lost 1-0 against Rennes who sit at 5th rank in Ligue 1. I’m sure Mallorca, Monchengladbach, and Rennes players are not much better than Krunic or Milan players.
Don’t know what some people are watching here..
But he was the best player against Tottenham, next to Thiaw.
Krunic was good in almost any position. Find me another player that could do that. Put Adli against Tottenham and see what happens. Having players like this is key to winning titles, backup for 5-6 positions and ready to step in into any position the coach asks.