Matteo Gabbia has been thrown into the action at Milan after sitting on the bench for most of the season start. He has responded well, starting against Juventus and Chelsea, which is just what Stefano Pioli needed.
The youngster had played a mere seven minutes prior to coming off the bench against Chelsea in London (24-minute display). He then played the full 90 against both Juventus and Chelsea at San Siro, impressing the fans.
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As highlighted by MilanNews, Gabbia has earned the appreciation of the fans after getting thrown into action by Pioli. He did well in both clashes, despite competing against the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
At the age of 22, he remains a very promising centre-back and the recent displays have only confirmed this. Above all, as the report highlights, he managed to intercept many balls before the strikers and also won many duels. This got him some mentions in intentional media as well.
Pioli is very happy with the response from Gabbia, who has really risen to the occasion in a time of difficulty injury-wise for Milan.
Agreed. I’m impressed with Gabbia’s performances in two massive games against Juventus and Chelsea. If he’s taking the next step as we speak it will be a massive boost to a backline that has been decimated by injury, lack of fitness and lack of rotational options this season. Knowing that we can now afford to play Kalulu at RB until Calabria returns is also huge. We need something similar to happen at LB. Maybe someone from the Primavera is ready for minutes? Can’t be worse than Ballo-Toure…
Yes, give more minutes to Gabbia. It’s better Kalulu go RB, Sergino Dest pretty bad at defending (for now).
But what i don’t agree is we go 3-men CB in attacking-phase when Kalulu played as RB. I think Kalulu has the trait as the real RB to go up helping attack because he was a natural RB. Why don’t we like usual, go 2-men CB plus 1 DLP (Bennacer who playmaking without go high), making 2-1-3-1-3 when attacking. 2 CBs go wider, 1 DLP at central passing, 3 players for attacking support (2 fullback & Tonali), 1 AMC for making key passes to final third, & 3 forwards. 1 at RW is CDK to be the playmaker, primary passing option at final third. Because when CDK plays, ACM struggle to have the balance as CDK is more attacking style.
It’s too wasteful to see CDK go deeper & fighting for the ball too, because he has potential to thrive under pressures thanks to his technique & passing.
“Natural rb” why? Because at ages 15-18 he played some games there and likes it? He’s a decent rb, but a better cb. Sometimes people are better at positions that are not their favorite.
He’s a very good rb much better than cb because it suits him he attacks a lot and that’s what cb doesn’t do so I think I agree with Alex his point is fair but still Kalulu can play like he does in 3 man defence