AC Milan have a few options in midfield, but Samuele Ricci seems to be getting overlooked so far. Something that no one imagined.
The interest in Ricci stretches back years. Milan have constantly had the Italian on their radar, and even been close to making a move for him more recently than not. So, when reports suggested that he would arrive if Tijjani Reijnders left, there was excitement in a way.
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Yes, the Rossoneri were losing their star, or one of them. However, they would be gaining another in the form of the Italian regista. Then, Luka Modric arrived, and things got thrown into the air a little. All of a sudden, the need for a regista is lessened.
The Ricci paradox
Throughout pre-season, Ricci started often for Massimiliano Allegri’s side in that deeper role, shielding the defence and being the first man in the attacks regularly. However, as you would expect, since Modric arrived, that role has become his.
This leaves the former Torino man with a bit of uncertainty. His quality was seen from the bench as MilanNews writes. However, he probably deserves to be playing extended spells.
The report suggests, then, that the way forward may be a change of position. Whilst expectations were for a more static midfielder, he has shown that there is more to him as a player than that. Evolving already, even as Allegri stated.
In the summer, he stated that he could play across the midfield, and perhaps this could be the way forward. He may, in the future, settle into that deeper role again. However, he certainly can play in a more advanced role; his creativity and engine allow as much.
Perhaps, even, he could be wasted when playing deeper. Either way, Allegri might have to rethink his place in the squad.
He was playing really well when he came on. It just makes sense. I hope Allegri does give him a chance.
Even thou Modric have been really good as the regista I think he would be even better in his natural role as a mezzala. Would be nice to see a midfield with Rabiot-Ricci-Modric for a change. Then throw in Fofana and RLC later in the game for some physique when the opponents tire.
Against Udine I’m guessing we’ll see Rabiot-Modric-RLC. Unless Allegri benches Pulisic again and starts with RLC as the second striker.
Rabiot-ricci-Modric should be the first
I think it was good to bring on an impact substitute for a change
100%
Start with the 352 or 3421
Tomori gabia. De winthy
Selem Modric Ricci rabiot akhen
Pulisic. Nkuku
Knowing Allegri he’s keeping Ricci as an impact sub cause let’s be honest, what possibly could Fofana offer once opposition is tired? He’s not creative, he’s not a passer, he’s not a goals scorer. He runs.
How is nobody seeing that Ricci and Modric don’t work because they’re too similar?
And I don’t mean their positions, I mean their characteristics.
In a midfield you need sitters and runners, and Modric and Ricci are both sitters. RLC and Fofana are runners.
If they played together the midfield would be too static.
It’s an issue with signing BOTH of them. And if I or most people had to choose Modric is the clear winner because he’s a rare talent.
I feel bad for Ricci. And hope he can get enough minutes and the club shows enough, erm, patience, to let him establish himself next season.
Everyone knows the best midfield option we have is Rabiot Modric Ricci – apart from you apparently….
And the 6 X Scudetto winning coach.
But the court of popular opinion and all.
🤣
Ricci and Modric have the same characteristics?
In what world?
Ricci and Fofana have the same characteristics.
Can’t compare Ricci to him.
You compare two people who are generally more static v two people who are generally more mobile.
I’ve explained why….
Unless you’re seeing Ricci break forward into the box?
There are worlds of difference between Modric and Ricci in characteristics.
As I said, Ricci characteristics wise is much closer to Fofana than he will ever be to Modric. He doesn’t have the vision, the skills nor technique for you to say characteristics wise they are the same. There is a reason he is Fofana’s sub, not Modric’s.
He might have a better shot than Fofana but everything else they are the same, id even say that Fofana is a better passer and have better vision since in one season in serie A has almost as much assists as Ricci in his entire serie A career. Ant there is only 2 years difference between the 2 of them.
Ricci is an Italian Krunic.
Bench that idiot Fofana. Ricci has more appetite and is better anyway. Just do it
Facts. Ricci is a better footballer, but he is Italian so bench.
I agree, remove Fofana as he adds nothing both offensively and defensively
Fofana does nothing but kick field goals
Jep fofana out ricci in at least against napoli and juve we dint need fofana…i hope mister will get that in his mind…
Nkunku from the beginning and bebeto as a joker. Will be better for bebeto right now..too much pressure for him right now…
Start with the 352 or 3421
Tomori gabia. De winthy
Selem Modric Ricci rabiot akhen
Pulisic. Nkuku
Watching all Milan’s games so far I think Ricci should replace Fofana. Fofana has not been contributing anything so far. Modric is playing deeper in the pitch where Fofana played last season, and so Fofana has been pushed higher up. But we can clearly see Fofana’s limitations since he is not one to make runs into space to receive Modric’s passes, nor can he shoot or regularly play killer passes.
In the last game when Ricci came on for Fofana, it was like a breath of fresh air. Suddenly you had Ricci running into space, making progressive passes, and even shooting on target. It gave Modric someone to aim for.
I think Ricci should be the runner and passer who helps transition from the Rabiot-Modric midfield to the forward line. It looks like he is young, smart, and hungry enough to make it work. Fofana is what Fofana is, I don’t think he can evolve, so his usefulness in the squad is diminishing.