It’s been less than a month since the January transfer window came to an end but AC Milan are already thinking about the summer. Their top two targets, by the looks of it, are Sven Botman and Renato Sanches.
Just this morning, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the Rossoneri are willing to pay €60m to Lille to secure the services of a duo. It would be quite the statement from the club, given the tight budgets in the last few years.
Botman and Sanches were both in action last night as Lille faced Chelsea in the Champions League. The French side ended up losing the game 2-0 and MilanNews decided to take a look at the duo’s performance.
Starting with Botman, he sent an important signal with the following stats: 100% of his tackles were successful, he won 4/5 aerial duels and his passing was on point with a 90% success rate (also 4/5 long balls delivered). Perfect for Milan, in need of a Kjaer-esque defender to complement Fikayo Tomori.
As for Sanches, he showed his class on the pitch last night. He has a great vision of the game and enjoys being in possession, sometimes too much, but it’s clear that his technique is one of his biggest strengths. Not that similar to Kessie, therefore.
In Stefano Pioli’s midfield tandem, he would play alongside Sandro Tonali (who’s more of a Kessie replacement) but given his skill, he could perhaps even start in the No.10 role. The analysis concludes that both would be great additions to the team.
READ MORE: Milan’s probable XI for Udinese encounter – Kessie back from start
Not that similar to Kessiè? Kessiè’s technique is one of his best attributes. Extremely good in small areas, and rarely looses the ball.
I also think that Sanches was better than Botman. Botman was on thin ice several times, and because he lacks confidence pacewise, he completely destroyed the offside-trap on repeated occasions.
This is so true but goes against the prevailing narrative in the comments and on the site. Botman didn’t impress me at all and Sanches is not an ACM.
Makes one wonder why no big club is pushing dor him given they hv more resources than us
They didn’t look great especially Norman. Don’t let the stats fool ourselves. That first attempt where he lost his man was very suspect and related to his pace and positioning. Sanches while slightly better couldn’t deal with a very good Chelsea press
Norman?
Botman*
Sanches cannot play number 10!! Maybe Milan will learn later on.. 😉