In one of the many conference rooms at the newly-built Casa Milan complex, Giacomo Bonaventura found himself sat in front of a contract, which only required his signature to make him an official AC Milan player. Having played over 100 matches for neighbours Atalanta since joining their youth team in 2006, the situation Bonaventura found himself in became overwhelming. With vice-president Adriano Galliani at his side, the 25 year-old began to cry tears of joy. The realisation of a dream it may have been, but can Bonaventura cut it at the San Siro this season?
First and foremost, it’s worth clarifying where Bonaventura can play. At Atalanta, he was prodominentlly a left winger, but did have stints in the middle and sometimes on the right. It is in this more central position that the 25 year-old enjoyed the most success. AC Milan’s current squad consists of four wide players excluding Bonaventura: Stephan El Shaarawy, Keisuke Honda, Jeremy Menez and M’Baye Niang. This makes it possible for one to deputise another in Inzaghi’s 4-3-3 formation. However this would leave Bonaventura at a loss, making it much more likely for him to break into the midfield three.
Although it may seem a tough task with seven players for just three positions, Bonaventura has a technical and tactical edge over the majority of his new teammates. For starters, he’s quicker off the mark then Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien, which really only bears a small degree of relevance for this position. He has decent ball control and a wide passing range, which is always very useful. He can also apply pressure and packs a real stinger of a shot. He may not be on the same page as Riccardo Montolivo when it comes to creativity, but he is certainly an improvement over the recent additions to the midfield department.
What is most compelling about this change of position is Bonaventura’s willingness to chip in defensively. The Italian international is a willing worker, which will certainly be of great value as the season develops. In a recent interview with Milan Channel the 25-year-old revealed his preferred position was as an attacking midfielder, and seeing as this doesn’t figure into Inzaghi’s formation, a place in the midfield three could be just as good.
Looking at Bonaventura’s signing in relation to the rest of AC Milan’s summer signings, this is perhaps the one that ticks the most boxes. While there may not have been a dire need for a winger, the player’s flexibility and Serie A experience make the transfer far more interesting. The €7 million price tag AC Milan payed isn’t too excessive either, especially when considering it was a deadline day scramble. His relatively low-price also dampens any high expectations from fans, which could be vital to his integration.
During his time at Atalanta, Bonaventura had quickly developed into a fan-favourite for a number of reasons. He also had a knack for scoring goals at vital times. Despite the fact his good performances have attracted many potential suitors, Bonaventura has resisted the urge to call time on his Atalanta career. However, after three impressive seasons in Bergamo, few can blame the 25-year-old for seizing his oppurtunity with the Rossoneri.
In this regard, it’s easy to imagine Bonaventura keeping up a good rapport with the AC Milan fans. He has already shown his desire to play for the club and will be desperate to hit the ground running. Last season he managed five goals and four assists, which is a tally he would be hoping to best with the Rossoneri. Assuming Bonaventura is played in the midfield, chances could be plentiful; providing he puts in the hard work. However there is every chance he could be swallowed up at the highest level, particuarly since the club have been struggling in recent seasons.
Recent news filtering out of Milanello suggest Filippo Inzaghi is impressed with the former Atalanta man, which could be key in the months to come. With plenty of competition for his position, it was important for Bonaventura to strike up a good relationship with his coach, who could give him the license to play his own game. In doing so, Bonaventura has indeed set himself up for a very productive season with AC Milan.
Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156
