Andrea Longoni believes that AC Milan’s midfield department is now complete, but is worried about the lack of leadership in the defence.
Milan have been among to busiest teams in the summer transfer window so far, with plenty of player movement. However, the feeling is that the squad is still incomplete, with a new striker expected to arrive in order to finish the attack.
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Moreover, there has also been some speculation about the idea that another central defender could arrive before the window shuts, especially if Massimiliano Allegri were to persist with playing three central defenders.
‘Complete midfield’
Longoni published his weekly column for MilanNews and he offered his thoughts on the current state of the squad, stressing that there is currently a lack of experience in the defence.
“Milan’s season officially begins today. Tonight’s Coppa Italia match against Bari is a legacy of last season’s disastrous defeat.
“Don’t underestimate the opponent, but objectively the difference in category and level is striking: in effect, it will be the final (and very manageable) test before the start of the championship next Saturday.
“While we wait to see how the squad will be finalised, let’s take stock. The midfield is undoubtedly the most complete and well-rounded unit. A wealth of options and a variety of characteristics will give Allegri plenty to choose from.
“Up front, a No. 9 is still missing , a major target of the last two weeks of the transfer market. But with Leao, Pulisic, and Gimenez, there’s significant potential. It’s clear that Tare’s signing up front will tell us just how high the team’s ambitions can rise.
“In my opinion, the Mexican will bring excellent goalscoring potential, but we don’t yet know, with only a few months at Milan under his belt, whether he can be the striker capable of starting the team from 1-0 every time.
“Not even Hojlund can be a sure thing in this regard. Vlahovic , in my opinion, is much more so. This is the opinion of the writer, given that no one knows the truth and it’s a matter of taste. The Dane now at Manchester United still carries a certain element of risk: he could become a nice exclamation point, but it remains to be seen.
“He’s scored 10 league goals at most. The Serbian now at Juventus, at Hojlund’s age, already scored 24 goals in Serie A in a single season. A year younger, he already scored 21 in the league.
“In any case, the area that naturally raises the most doubts is the defence. The flanks aren’t top-notch, and the mix of central defenders remains to be seen. Allegri is a specialist in enhancing the defence, but the feeling is that something is missing structurally.
“In particular, they need a player capable of leading the way and giving meaning to everything else – a player of quality and great experience. Like Kjaer from a few years ago, who changed the face of Milan’s defence.
“That’s why the next signings will be crucial in determining the team’s true ambitions. A Super 9 and a top defender would change everything, for the better, obviously… Otherwise, a miracle from Massimiliano Allegri would be needed to win the Scudetto.”
I too think there needs to be one more central defender, especially since Thiaw left. Probably someone with a bit more experience, like Djimsiti (not sure if he’ll leave Atalanta though).
Djimsiti is a good option on a budget , vast experience and can lead the line. It would be nice to get Gila but he is a Lotito player .
There definitely is a need for a CB who will make the difference.
I see this different.
DBart looks like an LCB. He makes 5. Ricci makes an _emergency_ 6th.
All the moaning (including some of my own preciously) about the need for a Kjaer-like unit is out of touch.
We got Modric as the old man of the locker room. Then built a midfield that will screen a defense of solid players.
We don’t need an “old-head” in the back line. If anything we need calma to balance the rashness of Tomorri and Pavlovic. Really I mean Gabbia but a bit quicker … See DBart.
I am bullish on our D because Allegri. If this we Pioli or the Portuguese Pair is have much deeper doubts.
I can’t agree with that at all. Djimsiti is actually a really good player who is still quick enough. The problem we had in the past is a lack of experience in our defense.
Are we really that confident with Tomori or Pavlovic starting?
I can defn see where you and @ACM1899 are coming from.
I’m just thinking of guys like Gatti and what Allegri made of them. So I am feeling really good.
Completely wrong word “old” on my part as well. Tomorri and Gabbia are experienced and I was trying to make a distinction in the wrong way.
If we go out for quality +calma + experience I am a fan.
I enjoy watching Atalanta regularly. I don’t see much difference between Djimsiti and Gabbia. Both smart and in the right spot. Both slower than ideal but clever enough to cover it when a Tomorri or Pavlovic is present.
So we play both f on the start or are you thinking depth?
Nobody is asking for an OLD CB. We are asking for an experienced CB. THere’s a difference. And yes, we do need that figure even with Modric in the locker room.
I dunno about Djimsiti, but someone of his profile would be good. And he’s 32. Which isn’t old for a CB. Guy is at his peak really. Has at least 3 more seasons I think maybe more.
Agreed Forza Milan we need a leader in the center back and a clinical striker
Diego Llorente from Betis. Premier League, La Liga and Serie A experience. Or Pablo Mari from Fiorentina. Same.
Riccardo Calafiori
Maybe not a “leader”, but I’m still scratching my head as to why we didn’t sign Coppola for the paltry 12M that he moved to Brighton for.
Because he isn’t good? Nobody else was linked to him.
Jakub Kiwior would be a good player for defense. and play with Noa Okafor on offense, don’t buy Højlund.