Matteo Gabbia isn’t a name who, ahead of January, was expected to be on the front pages, but if anything, that is a positive for AC Milan. Since returning, he has quietly taken his place and performed well. By no means is he a flashy signing, but a pivotal one.
Milan’s recruitment ahead of the January window was highly speculated, and names flew around with price tags of millions. However, there is a chance that at the end of the season, if not sooner, Gabbia may be looked on as the best or most important piece of business conducted by the Rossoneri.
As MilanNews writes, the defender is a true professional and dreams to play for Milan. He responded to limited minutes with no fuss last season, and this season, the story is similar, with no qualms regarding his time in Spain, even if his playing time was minimal in Spain.
Upon returning, though, he has taken his place and performed consistently, which has been a huge sigh of relief for Stefano Pioli. It allows him to name an experienced back four in their favoured position.
He has immediately adapted back to Rossoneri life, and whilst he may not take the front pages, he certainly deserves a mention. His impact has been felt positively already, and whilst his playing time may lessen when others return from injury, he has played a vital part recently.
Good to have Gabbia in starting 11.
With the little I have seen from Gabbia since he came back from the loan has been more than impressive; I believe the defence of AC Milan can survive the absence of Tomori now; if AC Milan inferred anything from what happened this January, it is that and this summer is the best time to cash in on him.
And if AC Milan could achieve something in the Europa League and also challenge the top two in Serie A then the Management can be assured of getting at least €65m from his sale. Pioli can be retained but be on his toes everytime as he performes under constant pressure.
AC Milan don’t need any high profile signing as Simic can be promoted as he his performing at high levels. The cash considered for the purchase of the Torino defender should be channeled into completing a strong and reliable striker for the immediate and the future.
And lastly AC Milan must start the introduction of Cuenca also and launch another intense venture into buying young 17 years old or at average 16 years old but full of huge potential and that way no need to overspend on overpriced players on the market.
If his playing time may lessen when others return from injury, that will be a mistake. You don’t change your winning formula. Besides, our backline was in total shambles in 2023 with Thiaw and Tomori paired. One of worst defensive statistics in Rossoneri’s history.
If something then pair Gabbia with Tomori, who’s fast ball playing CB.
Like you’ve rightly stated Gabbia should be given fair chance like others to stake his claim as the starting Central Back and be paired with other defenders to fight for central positions ahead of Maignan. If his given a fair chance then such would culminate to constructive and solid competition within the squad, I just hope Pioli would not allow his sentimentalism take hold of his objectivism.
Pioli will have a hard time choosing between Tomori, Gabbia, Thiaw, Kalulu, and Kjaer for the rest of this season because all of them are solid CB.
Good thing is Theo doesn’t need to play as CB anymore. But Kalulu probably will be Calabria subs rather than play as CB.
Imagine the lvl he’d be at if he was a starter all these years