AC Milan defender Davide Calabria was presented with an award at training today for reaching 200 appearances in all competitions.
Calabria is one of the few players who have been on the journey from the lower age groups of the youth sector right up to the Primavera and into the senior team, which he has been part of for the best part of a decade now. He racked up his 200th appearance in rather unfortunate circumstances (the 5-2 loss to Sassuolo), but it is still an achievement to be proud of.
Maldini began: “This is a medal that I give even more pleasure because it is for a boy who was born in our youth sector, arrived at just 11 years old and I must say that this is a great pride for anyone who has followed a path similar to yours.
“You are number 66 in the ranking of total appearances in the history of Milan and at one appearance more there are four legends such as Battistini, Rijkaard, Van Basten and Bonera. Congratulations!”
Calabria responded: “It’s a great pride for me. Now let’s go back to work though, we have to go back to smiling and win!”
2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ games
A milestone to be proud of, @davidecalabria2 ❤️🖤
Un traguardo di cui essere fiero, capitano ❤️🖤#SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/xUwKjHOXjc
— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 3, 2023
Pioli is misusing Calabria this year. Last season when Milan were attacking I noticed that Calabria in most instances dropped back into a line with Kalulu and Tomori. His presence as a third defender allowed the CBs to press more aggressively without conceding as much room in the back. He played this role well because he’s just not that good in possession but is one of the better one on one defenders in the squad (this season excluded). Idk why Pioli decided that Calabria should play more like Theo. Did anyone think Calabria and his terrible passing were going to compensate for the lack of RW? Now Calabria pushes too high and is way too slow to get back leaving the RW totally exposed. His lack of pace seems worse this year probably because he’s not fit which is another issue Milan need to sort out as well…
I can’t believe Pioli is not understanding this. How many times do we need to get embarrassed by mediocre teams? The result against Sassuolo would have got him fired if he hadn’t done well the previous 2 seasons. He’s living on borrowed time now as we slipped out of the top 4.
Exact this! Calabria and Kessie kept the entire defensive shape. The hole between Kalulu and Calabria was a carrot to the opposition even if Calabria is upfield because Kessie always used to fill that space…so protects the RB until Calabria comes back and slots in the CB at.the same time. The other side however was a problem because Theo didn’t come back in time so Tomori used to cover that but with Kessie and Calabria they came back in time to fill the vacant CB spot and RB spot. That’s the shape maintenance right there. That’s what missing this year and Benny can’t do that, even though I like his game
I personally think it the lack of support on his wing that is exposing him. He is often left isolated against multiple attackers this season with the RW pushing up and not tracking back as quickly or as often. Funny thing is I actually think Calabria is one of the better crossers on the team (which is not exactly glowing endorsement of the squad’s ability to send in crosses). He just doesn’t do it very often and also struggles to make clean passes pushing the ball up.