During today’s press conference at Milanello (via Calciomercato.com), Stefano Pioli was asked about the positions of Hakan Calhanoglu and Rafael Leao, who both have been used in more than one role at the start of the season.
The Turkish international has mainly been used to the left in the midfield, though he was also tested in the regista role for one game. Under Pioli, however, he could move further up the pitch, just like with Gattuso.
“Hakan? I think he should be used in the attacking phases of the midfield, rather than the build-up. I like to move my midfielders and my choices will be based on the characteristics of the players,” he began.
As for Leao, he has mainly played on the left flank. However, after making a few appearances in the centre, Milan fan are convinced that he should play in the middle instead. By the looks of it, Pioli agrees with this.
“Leao? At the moment, he’s more of a centre-forward. To play on the flank, he has to be more complete tactically and technically. He’s an important prospect, but also one that is ready to give us results,” he concluded.
In other words, it will be a battle between Leao and Piatek for a starting spot, while Calhanoglu could take the Portuguese’s former spot on the left flank. That way, Paqueta will be allowed to start in the middle.
READ MORE – Pioli: “I have great faith in Piatek; why I scrapped the pre-match ritiro”
