There continues to be debate among the AC Milan fanbase and the media about what to do with Alexis Saelemaekers, and Franco Ordine has given his thoughts.
Milan began their preseason friendly campaign with a rather uninspiring 1-1 draw against Rapid Wien, but those who watched the game will agree that the team looked a lot better in the second half with what was an entirely changed line-up.
Two players that stood out were Saelemaekers and Daniel Maldini. The latter was named the MOTM in our player ratings thanks to his creativity in the attacking phase, going on several menacing runs and drawing what should have been a penalty.
The journalist and commentator Franco Ordine spoke to Radio Radio and expressed his thoughts on the game itself as well as what he saw from the Belgian, comparing him with his compatriot.
“I don’t give any importance to the friendly against Rapid Vienna, but I saw some defensive flaws. On the positive side, I was struck by several young players who will play for Milan Futuro,” he said (via Radio Rossonera).
“I also saw that Saelemaekers seems to have improved a lot, you can see that he played with a coach who made him grow as happened with De Ketelaere.”
I still believe Saele will be suitable as (offensive) RB for us
The guy is CLEARLY most suitable for the LW position. I don’t even know why it’s a debate. We’ve seen it over and over again with Bologna.
He should be Leao’s substitute. In fact, he cuts into a central position more often, which makes him even more compatible with Theo than Leao is. He is closer to Rebic in that aspect.
Right I love the idea of him and Calabria platooning the RB position
Saele is the Theo for our RB position. Just give him that spot instead of selling him for 10-12 and buying Emerson Royal for 15-20!
He knows the team, the players and fans – no need to adapt to a new environment- just some time to work on his defensive skills
I still can’t understand why board are still trying get rid of this guy. He is decent RM/RB. Why can’t we just use him like Dumfries?
He has a work ethic, dribble, chases a player like a mad dog. He is not Right Winger who scores 10+ goals per season but we don’t even need that now. Let Pulisic/Chuk Norris in RW but let’s use Saladmaker in between RB and RW. We will regret if we dump him
Wouldn’t trust Salad to make me a salad let alone play rb or any b at AC Milan.
Absolutely nobody who saw Saelemaekers in the Left Wing position with Bologna would make such a foolish statement. So I’d bet my kidney you didn’t watch him.
thats what? 5 people? who even watches bologna games?
Many Serie A fans. It might be a surprise for you, but some people watch games even if their team is not playing. Especially if these teams are in the European competition places.
Besides.. that was his entire season last year. So i don’t know what kind of an informed assessment of a player can be made without even watching that player.
Anyway. I hope he leaves to a team where he can play as a left winger again.
Also.. this link sums it up nicely
Regardless what ppl think about him, for me, Saelemaekers is one of my favorite Milan players. He plays proudly for Milan, he doesnt act like mercenaries like Kessie or that fkng Hakan. I will never forget how he celebrated his goal to Napoli at their own stadium by pointing the defending champion logo on Milan shirt, as if screaming “hey, we are Milan. We are still the defending chanpion and great club!”. Damn that is one of Milan moments which gave me goosebump, and I have been supporting Milan since 1990. His skill is not perfect but I think it is sufficient for Milan and still possible to develop more, as he is still relatively young. I hope he will stay. He has also potential to be good attacking RB.
“you can see that he played with a coach who made him grow as happened with De Ketelaere.”
Pioli catching strays
my thoughts exactly. If he actually improved, it speaks volumes of what Pioli did as a talent groomer. I will take his performance with a grain of salt. It was a friendly and even when he was with us, he had a good game, followed by a string of terrible ones, followed by a master class to an avg, to an error etc. He has all the attributes to be great, speed, workrate, dribble, strong shot, can defend etc. his problem is, the saladman cant freaking get it together.
He improved bc he played as LW last year at Bologna. I would keep him as Leaos backup.
But, Idk why people are saying to play him at RB. Did anyone actually watch last year?
Isn’t Okafor the backup LW?
AND Okafor is far more consistent, works just as hard, and SCORES GOALS.
So should Milan keep him as a third string LW. RW, RB?
Okafor played best and scored as a striker. Watch the games…
They dont even watch Milan!! OKAFOR is MUCH better than him! Delivers more goals/assists. You can even put him as CF.
We can use salemakers as back up RB.
He can be a good depth as he offers versatility. Bur if he demands regular playing time, there’s nothing we can do.