Alexis Saelemaekers is poised to replace the suspended Rafael Leao on the left flank this evening as AC Milan will face Napoli at San Siro. Far from ideal, but the Belgian’s record on that flank is not too shabby.
Stefano Pioli has been evaluating potential solutions all week but it seems he has decided to start Saelemaerkers to the left. He has been in great form lately (two goals in two UCL games) and the manager is hoping that he can build on that.
Furthermore, it won’t be the first time that Saelemaekers has started on the left flank for Milan. In fact, he has done it five times before and he has also come on as a sub a few times, racking up a very good record.
Milan won all of the five games in which he started as the left-winger, including a 3-1 win against Roma. The others are the following: 2-4 against Empoli, 0-2 against Shamrock Rovers, 3-2 against Bodo/Glimt and 1-1 against Rio Ave (win on penalties).
Tonight’s opponent is a bit tougher, but it’s clear that Saelemaekers is more than capable of playing on the left flank.
Where are the guys asking for Saladmaker to be sold in Preseason?