In these last two months AC Milan have suffered heavy criticism, often fair and legitimate based on what can be seen on the pitch, but comparisons with last season seem disingenuous.
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The summer mercato has come under fire as a result, too. MilanNews writes how it is true that the squad in some roles is still incomplete and should certainly be improved and strengthened in upcoming transfer windows, but it is equally clear that – of the 10 signings completed in the summer – many are performing positively.
The sale of Sandro Tonali allowed Milan to significantly increase the budget and, consequently, to go out and sign 10 players. Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijjani Reijnders are already key pieces of the team and their performances – especially with regards to the American – have been generally good.
Added to them is the constant growth of the reserve attacking trident of Noah Okafor, Luka Jovic and Samuel Chukwueze who, especially in the last few games played, are finding confidence as well as goals and assists. Yunus Musah also did very well, showing his maturity and flexibility despite being 21.
It is clear that the team can be improved and additions are sought for the defence above all in January, but it is equally true to say that the squad given to Pioli is absolutely up to the club’s ambitions and with significant potential yet to be expressed.
The Rossoneri coach himself declared it after the bittersweet victory in Newcastle: “I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to maximise this potential, now we have to work on this. I’m only sorry for this, I believe that this is a strong team and that it can do better than what it has done up to now.” If the potential is there, it is because the mercato was good.
