David Odogu remains perhaps the most mysterious signings AC Milan have made in recent times, as he continues to struggle for minutes.
La Gazzetta dello Sport recall how after winning the U17 World Cup with Germany two years ago, some German media dubbed Odogu ‘the future Beckenbauer’. This accolade is currently hanging in the balance, awaiting confirmation, and perhaps risks being a bit too heavy on the shoulders of a 19-year-old.
The youngster was acquired by Milan in the summer, who paid Wolfsburg €7m (plus €3m in bonuses). Odogu was a truly targeted acquisition by the Rossoneri, an investment with a view to the future, considering the proportion between the millions spent and the player’s age.
However, David probably didn’t imagine he’d find himself an unwelcome exception around Christmas: he’s the only AC Milan outfield player not to have played a single minute in the league. The other is Lorenzo Torriani, who is the third-choice goalkeeper.
Small squad but no chances
Odogu has also received a few calls from Milan Futuro boss Massimo Oddo. Three, to be precise, but in the meantime, that significant zero remains under Massimiliano Allegri. He made his debut for Milan in the Coppa Italia, getting 12 minutes against Lecce in the round of 32, but nothing in the league.
The situation is notable because the squad, as is well known, is small. Allegri plays with a three-man defence and there are only five central defenders. The regular starters are Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlovic, plus Odogu himself and De Winter.
When a mid-game substitution was needed, or a minimum of rotation was needed, the Belgian was called upon (although with questionable results). It’s logical, then, to imagine that the club might consider loaning the German out for the second half of the season.
Odogu has gained some experience with the German youth national teams (he won the 2023 World Cup with the Under-17s, as well as the European Championship that same year) but he’s not yet a regular at club level.
He made just three appearances for Wolfsburg’s first team and this speaks volumes about Allegri’s caution in throwing him into the mix when the going gets tough. Odogu is still a raw prospect, needing to work on his tactics and positioning, especially in Max’s defensive line.
If anything, a more general consideration can be made: in a squad with only 19 outfield players, it would perhaps be more appropriate for all the players to be potentially usable, and not just filling spots.
‘the future Beckenbauer’ thats a pretty damn big comparison. Media tend to overhype players though but if he can’t get any minutes with us and soon to be 20 years old then definitely loan him out to a club where he is pretty much guaranteed regular minutes. Maybe Monza in Serie B so he wont have to completely readjust one time again.
I do know a German Wolfsburg fan and he wasn’t exactly happy about the sale so guess there is some talent there.
I grew up playing youth football in Stuttgart and Franz was my idol (I realize I’m showing my age). As someone who has watched Franz play dozens of times I don’t see it..at all. He’s young so here’s hoping he evolves into 1/2 the player Beckenbauer was.
Thats ok, Beckenbauer is before my time as I’m 46 years old but absolutely its one hell of an endorsement to compare him to Beckenbauer and I also question that as its like calling a young Italian defender the new Maldini, Baresi etc. Rarely are the comparisons remotely valid as they are players in their own league and I agree its difficult to see him reach the Kaizers level. But turning out just as a great player will also do fine but only time will tell how far he can actually go.
He will have a chance but when it comes he need to grab it by putting in a solid perfomance.
Our games are always tight contests. Very few opportunities to learn on the job.
no problem, in 3 years NU will buy him $40mio 😀
Beckenbauer?? BECKENBAUER??? Really??? We talking about the same Beckenbauer or someone else??
Come on, let’s not do that
He’s among the GOAT conversation for defenders and even overall player at that. Come on now
What a waste of money!!!! To remain competitive and at top level, teams need men not boy scouts with shorts.
Would be much better to sell this boy straightaway and use the money to top salary of mike maignan and pulisic.