Charles De Ketelaere has struggled to assert himself in the AC Milan XI thus far and the criticism hasn’t been lacking. However, more time is needed to judge him fairly, as we have seen so many times before.
The Belgian arrived for a fee of €35m in the summer and due to the price tag, there have obviously been high expectations. De Ketelaere hasn’t managed to live up to them just yet, but there is no reason for Milan to be worried.
As highlighted by our colleagues at SempreMilan.it, the reality is that De Ketelaere is a 21-year-old that only just made the jump to the big stage. Yesterday’s clash, to make matters worse, highlighted all the difficulty that the player is experiencing.
The missed opportunity and the immediate return to the locker room couldn’t have made it any clearer. De Ketelaere is frustrated with his performances but there is no reason for Milan to be worried about their star signing.
We have seen it all many times before, from Tonali to Leao, even reaching Brahim Diaz, but also Kalulu and Bennacer. Every young player must have time to adapt to Milan’s system and then be judged fairly.
Fortunately, the Rossoneri management includes profiles of competence, who are perfectly aware of all these aspects and have no intention of putting De Ketelaere under scrutiny. Stefano Pioli has said it many times and the fans must also realise that the path is long, but hopefully well worth it.
Obviously we can find countless examples of players who struggled to adapt at first and then started to play well, but it’s not like it’s unheard of for a player to just come in and make an impact. Just look at Kvaratskhelia, he’s the same age, comes from a weaker league as well, but needs no time to adapt.
Of course we’ll be patient with CDK but I guess I hoped for once that we won’t have to wait a year for a player to start playing at their level.
Kvaratskhelia success at this stage couldn’t be predicted. You’re confusing random luck with skill in development. Pioli’s tactics are complicated and for him to trust CDK in one of the most vital roles in the team is a testament to the player. Besides CDK really should have a couple off assists and a couple goals. Luck and confidence aren’t with him at the moment but we got a good player who made the team stronger immediately.
As a playmaker, he has to take control and dictate the pace. Right now he just pass the ball to another once he gets it. He needs to run with the ball more often.
I dont know why we even talk about this young fella, if his team mates finished all goal chances that he created he would have at least 5 asissts now and would be with much more confidence now and nobodY would talk about him,he played great when he started playing in 1st line up but they didnt score
Agree, he would have lead the assist chart if he wasn’t let down by the finishing of other players.
Kessie took 2.5 years, Leao took 2.5 years, Tonali took a year. There’s plenty of examples, give the guy time…BUT… he needs to at least show mental fortitude, desire and drive. There’s no excuse for that.
A 21 year walking off after the final whistle is quite forgivable. Much better look than Ronaldo refusing to come on and walking off in the 87th
How can you even compare that. CDK left AFTER match because he was angry at himself.Ronaldo left before match was finished and he was angry at coach.
One is frustrated with his missed scoring chance. One is frustrated with his coach’s correct selection.
Nah it’s not. He’s acting like a baby. Needs to sack up. He’s paid millions to play a game.. the hardest thing he has to deal with is not being good right away.. wow… what a life trauma. Pathetic. He needs time and should be given it patiently, but wow these very fortunate people sure are weak-minded and dramatic these days.
Milan never needed a player who will develop slowly to the group this season but someone who will have instant impact to the squad but Maldini and Massara descended all their energy on this guy as if as he is a messiah. I don’t see any potential that deserve the money and time Milan wasted on this dude. Milan should’ve signed Diabala irrespective of his age because it is on record Latin players can last longer than DKC likes…
Yeah, go support Roma then.
You definetly confused between Milan Elliiot era and Galliani era
Diabala? Who’s that?
If you mean Dybala, the guy got injured again so i’m glad Maldini sign CDK and not a waste of money like Dybala.
Wut. I think cdk is great. Sure, no end product yet. But it will come soon
“Sure, no end product yet.”
Same was said about Leao until about a year ago.
I thought CDK did well so far and better than Tonali, Kessie, Leao, or Hakan in their first season.
Sure the goal is lacking but in terms of key pass he made plenty where he could have like 5-6 assist if Giroud, Leao, or Theo didn’t wasted those golden chances.
I personally could wait him to get better until 3rd season. The boy definitely have big potential to elevate Milan into a more complete team.