The defensive department has been a major talking point lately, and with AC Milan looking to reinforce it for next season, how should they approach the matter?
Massimiliano Allegri’s defence has had a few different faces this season. In the first half, Matteo Gabbia was the undisputed starter, but then Koni De Winter started to improve a lot and took his opportunities in the Italian’s absence.
Strahinja Pavlovic and Fikayo Tomori, meanwhile, have also shown their value on either side of the central centre-back. That said, it’s clear that a lack of depth has also forced Allegri to make certain decisions often, which is something he will want to avoid next season.
Defensive decisions to make
In the latest podcast episode, Oliver, Anthony and Ahmed discussed the matter and all agreed that something needs to change in the department. Especially if the plan is to plan a three-man backline next season too, then Tomori could be on the chopping block.
Anthony: “I’ve got a hypothetical. Pavlovic, Tomori, Gabbia, Tomori, De Winter. You have to sell one of them, at the same price, all leaving Serie A, who do you choose?”
Ahmed: “Tomori. Pavlovic is no longer my most criticised player. I have adjusted my opinion over the course of the season. I’m certainly not as harsh on him this year as last year.
“Tomori is the one who has to go [in that scenario]. With Allegri, I don’t think he has a role anymore. We’re not going to be that aggressive, we’re not going to be at the halfway line. If it’s not going to be that, then he has no role.
“Second to go is probably Pavlovic to me. De Winter is the No.1 defender for me, Gabbia I have no strong opinion on. I’m not in love with him like other Milan fans, he was the best out of a bad bunch, and it became kind of a saviour complex. He’s fine, which is good, and should be a third or fourth choice.”
What kind of stupid article is this?
International break filler.
Agree completely with this guy. Tomori has played well this year and we need him for next year. So stop this crap.
Indeed, to be honest Gabbia is always a mediocre, he’s 2nd or 3rd choice.
Next season milan play imln champions League and with frequent injury it’s normal to have many solid substitute
Yes, especially considering how many games we will be playing next season, I cant see in any way why we should let go of Tomori. How they can say he has no role is strange to me, to say the least. Also, its good to have players like him who has been with the team a long time, is used to Allegri´s system and is locked in with the other players.
Hmm idk Tomori is average starter but good depth option. Obviously is some team wants to pay stupid money for him then take it but otherwise renew and have the goal of having 4 stater level cbs in the squad
Agree. He is more of a depth player than a starter to me. We need a new CB to come in as a 1st choice player, such as Gila or so.
Real stupid to get rid of a competent player who is in decent form.
Yeah sell the guy who is playing so well he was just recalled to the England team…what a bunch of clowns!
The fact that he is English will encourage an EPL team to pay decent money for him. And he is 28. So it is almost last chance to sell him for decent money.
It all depends on how you are replacing him and what the planned formation is next season.
Warren, why on earth would you sell a player who is playing well? Why? And replace him with who Warren, pls tell. Formation next season??? take a guess Warren…Hint: Allegri is the coach???
You both are right…
Warren is right with facts, and which player? Sell Tomori to EPL with add on tax Thiaw style (yes, he was called up again – then set it to 50mln min. which is not That much for English teams anyway). Then get Gila for 25.
But.. isn’t Tomori discussing a renewal?
I’d sacrifice a player in form in current circumstances, if it’s Tomori out for 45+ / Gila in for 25. Wouldn’t mind at all.
So yes – we have Allegri and we all know exactly how he’s going to play and which formation he’s going to use. You’re right 🙂
But did you expect De Winter to become who he has became in such a short period of time 6 months ago?
Give some credit to our old.. grumpy 1:0 man. I’m sure you could do all of that better 😉
And that said – I thank Max for stabilising the team though I’m fed up with that pragmatic, boring to watch football. Points count more this season as we need to get back in UCL. But I really hope that we won’t get really badly outplayed by teams, that play a modern, more attacking football.
P.S. Fingers crossed for Rino, hope he cooks well with Italy 🙂
Forza Milan!
Yes I absolutely expected Di Winter to be as good. And I said so. In fact he isn’t at his best yet.
Do not deviate from the original question, one has to go to make place for the sasquatch CB that Allegri is going to bring in this summer. We will not need six CB for two starting spots, five is more than enough. One-of-them-has-to-leave-Italy-for-good.
Tomori is a known commodity and has hit hit ceiling. He will continue to make rash tackles and challenges and his game won’t improve further dramatically. Of Pavlo, Koni and Tomori you absolutely sell Tomori and upgrade on him in addition to Gila coming in.