Yesterday, AC Milan needed their stars to perform against Napoli. However, they barely played. Of course, there were reasons, but questions must be asked.
In a game like Monday’s, you need your stars to show up. It is so simple and football is often overcomplicated, but that always remains clear. There are certain games where you need certain players to step up.
Yet, in Naples, neither Rafael Leao nor Christian Pulisic did. In fact, they played less than 30 minutes between them. The American was subbed on after 74 minutes and Leao was brought on in the 82. In other words, they had no time to make an impact.
Pulisic arrived back from the international break later than others, whilst the Portuguese has been struggling with injury. So, it may be a case of managing minutes. However, a question has now been asked.
Futures questioned
As Calciomercato.com write today, their cameos could perhaps be seen as a warning for the future. A sign that they are no longer the players to rely on. Yet, the opposite can be argued, with neither of them on the pitch for a significant time, they could not pick up points.
Regardless of this, the duo are seen as unknowns ahead of the mercato and there are rumours surrounding both. Maybe the reliance has faded…
Two clowns with pampers…..
This is a joke. Allegri benched these guys because they might not be back next year. That makes sense how?
I do not know if you noticed but there was a play at the top of the box where Pulisic was trying to make room for a left footed shot and Laeo thought he was being passed to and took the shot off a short touch by Pulisic. It wasn’t pretty, but that’s not what mattered. They immediately hugged each other. If I am going to take away anything positive from this match it was that moment. They have reconciled. If these two figure out a way to co exist up top, it is the only way Milan can be dangerous in a 3-5-2.
Also, let’s say you sell Laeo for £70MM and Pulisic for £55MM. Big ifs on the money for either by the way. Can Milan get better players for that money? Didn’t Zirkzee get sold for money like that? Would you take him over either of these guys? Players that are clearly better are going for meaningfully more money, and players going for less are either old or guys like Jashari and Giminez, lighting it up in a lesser league.
Let these guys fight through this rough patch together. It’s our best chance for the rest of this year and probably next year as well.
With current performance, nobody will buy leao for 70 m..
“Allegri benched these guys because they might not be back next year.”
LOL. Exactly! All the professional coaches are known NOT TO play players who might end up playing elsewhere next season, right? 😀 😀 😀 😀
“Also, let’s say you sell Laeo for £70MM and Pulisic for £55MM.”
How about we keep ’em both and get a coach who has the brains to utilize them properly. Let Allegri take over the Azzurri.
Eh? As you say, one was injured and one was on a flight back from the US on Friday, whilst the others were all in training together through the break. Nothing strange there.