Questions marks have been raised over the idea that Olivier Giroud will be Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s deputy when the Swede is fully fit.
MilanNews recalls how the signing of Giroud was initially met with some scepticism by Milan fans because of his age (34) and the fact he arrived having had little playing time at Chelsea last season, at least compared to what he has been used to in recent years. However, his response was emphatic, as the Frenchman netted three times in preseason and has shown himself to be ready for the new campaign.
There is no doubt a player like Giroud would have been fundamental last year when Ibrahimovic was injured and Milan needed attacking depth, but is he really the reserve to the Swede no? It doesn’t seem like that, as Pioli is trying out a 4-4-2 that would allow both Olivier and Zlatan to play together.
The defensive contribution of the two would be zero in a system like this and they would both be able to make their presence felt in the opponent’s 18-yard box. The two will support each other to always remain in top condition and to avoid injuries, but of course this solution raises questions about options from the bench.
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If both Giroud and Ibra Combination proves lethal this season, i bet we will have a fantastic season full of goals. Our MF is good enough to work defensively
Defensively yes….but good enough to transition and provide service?
Milan will go unbeaten. Let them get Florenzi, Ziyech, Adli and another defender.
Ziyech is not for sale… I’m a Chelsea fan
—————————Maignan————————-
Calabria———-Kjaer——-Tomori——-Hernan
Florenzi———Kessie——–Bennacer—–Rebic
——————-Giroud———Ibra———————
Defensive depth/reserves are really good:
Romagnoli, Gabbia, Kalulu, Toure, Conti
Midfield depth/reserves are good:
Salemaekers, Tonali, Adli, Leao, Krunic, Pobega, Diaz, Castillejo
Attacking depth/reserves are very weak:
Maldini, Rebic, Leao
If this is the formation we need to do the following:
Sell: Conti, Castillejo and Krunic
Keep: Pobega
Buy: Berardi and two young and “ready to step in” attackers such as Esposito and Pellegri
I can see Pietro Pellegri has an expiring contract and currently holds a valuation of 6 mil according to transfermarkt so it should be feasible. Add to that he would be a great understudy for ibra and i recollect that he is a fan of zlatan so the chance of working with him propably will do half of the persuasion, His career though hasnt really set off yet but as a backup that can grow he should suffice and be an obvious choice under the criterias of young players with an upturn in potential of developing for fairly small money. I was rather disapointed when he whent to monaco but this could actually be a great opportunity in my book,
Esposito though has moved on a 1 year loan to Basel from inter and i simply cant imagine they would even consider sellling him to us and on top of that i believe i’ve previously read that he is a diehard inter fan so doesnt really see that as an option for us.