There has been an unlikely hero in the last couple of games as Junior Messias has adapted well to his new wing-back role, a report has detailed.
MilanNews recall how last night’s win against Atalanta at San Siro was the sign of a team that have recovered from a difficult moment and are back to playing at near their confident best, and it was Junior Messias who got the second goal with a few minutes left to seal the win.
The Brazilian has often come under fire but moreso because Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara chose not to sign a right winger of higher stature during the last summer window, while Messias is 32 and has often been inconsistent in terms of his performance levels.
Some players might be angered by the idea of playing outside of their ‘natural’ position but Messias on the other hand has responded brilliantly after being asked to play as a wing-back, putting in a real shift and scoring twice in the last two games.
In January there was a lot of talk about Nicolò Zaniolo arriving and in the last season and a half the former Roma forward’s numbers read 43 appearances in Serie A, with 3 goals, 5 assists and 14 yellow cards. In the same period of time Messias has made 39 appearances with 7 goals, 3 assists and 3 yellow cards.
Since the beginning of last season, the Brazilian’s tally in Serie A is 42 appearances, 9 goals (2 in the last 2 games), 3 assists and 3 yellow cards. Certainly not world class numbers, but perhaps enough to get through to the summer and in the meantime Pioli knows he can rely on a player who will play where asked and follow his instructions.
Both him and Salae to start ?
Milan STILL need someone more consistent and technically better than Messias. Him scoring two goals so far doesn’t change that.
That’s true, moreso when Messias will turn 33 next year. But credit must be given and let’s just appreciate what this guy already give us with his admittedly limited capabilities.
LOL. Even a 32-year-old Messias is faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar better RW than Zaniolo ever will be. Plus much cheaper too.
good decision from pioli not to play calabria again on RWB. hes unconsistent. with 343 formation, both wing back its more important. once again, good modification from pioli. for while.