It’s the problem that on paper every manager would love to have, but in practice, the fact that AC Milan have seven forwards(count ’em) for two positions on the pitch could create some issues, that frankly, Masimilliano Allegri doesn’t really need.
The Rossoneri forward line has changed dramatically in the last 12 months. A roster that this time last year contained Ronaldinho, Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Marco Borriello, was swept aside in favor of revolution that Allegri proved at Milanello. With the help of the money that Silvio Berlusconi has not pushed down the waistband of one of his “friends” and Galliani’s houndog like nose for a bargain, Allegri was able to challenge for the title last season with the likes of Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in addition to Alexandre Pato, Pippo Inzaghi and the aforementioned Ronaldinho.
The “Fab Four” plus Inzaghi provided more than a few headaches for Allegri in the first half of the season, many wondering if the new man would try and fit them all in one line up,reminiscent of Brazil 2006, but the former Cagliari man decided to go for balance rather than a potentially suicidal offensive formation, and effectively ending Ronaldinho’s time at Milan, the former Barcelona playmaker simply not hard working enough to fit into Allegri’s plans, and when January came – ‘Dinho was out the door.
Galliani then swooped on frozen talent Antonio Cassano in the mid season mercato and presented Allegri with another potential headache, albeit one that was needed given Il Diavolo’s mounting injury crisis. “Fantonio” started well at the Rossoneri, but soon became Plan B to Pato, Robinho and Ibrahimovic, spending the majority of his first 6 months sitting on the bench and attempting to reclaim fitness he had lost during his 2 month exodus from Calcio.
And now, in the heady days of the summer transfer window, Milan have acquired Genoa prospect Stefan El Shaarawy, and called back Alberto Paloschi to add to a Milanese attack which now has the space and comfort of an overpacked tin of sardines. And when you add in the fact that Clarence Seedorf and Kevin Prince Boateng will also be competing for the attacking midfield slot that El Shaarawy and Robinho could slot into makes the situation all the more drastic.
So how will Milan’s front line look next term – will Allegri adopt a rotation system in the hope of keeping all of his players happy, whilst risking inconsistency, or will he adopt a method of meritocratical ideology which could see a few faces spend a large part of the season on the bench, or clamouring for the exit.
So, here’s the lowdown on Milan’s striking situation, from first team certainties to bench warmers.
Role in squad: Guaranteed
The mercurial Swede is one of the best strikers on the planet, and the only name in Milan’s dazzling attack that is guaranteed a starting place, week in week out. “Ibracadabra” supplied the most league goals and assists for the Rossoneri last season, and his legendary status for guaranteeing a Scudetto every season with whoever he chooses to play will see him rarely, if ever, dwell on the bench.
Alexandre Pato
Age:21
Role: When fit and firing, a long term partner for Ibrahimovic
If it wasn’t for injuries and inconsistencies, Alex Pato would easily be one of the best strikers around. So hard to believe the Selecao forward is only 21, but Pato will still have fight for his place with Robinho to shake off the tag of “prospect” and move into the role of star striker that so many expect him to reach. If the Brazilian can stay fit, there is no question that he could get 20-25 goals next year. However, a combination of the occasional muscle spasm and poor form will probably limit the Duck’s time on the pitch to 20-25 games, in tandem with fellow countryman Robinho.
Robinho
Age:27
Role: Respected by Allegri because of work rate, but poor finishing will hinder chances of a guaranteed spot.
‘Binho has been one of the many surprise packages involved in Milan’s Scudetto triumph, his work rate and willingness to press surprising many that thought the former Real Madrid man to be surplus to requirements at Via Turati, but has silenced the doubters with his committed displays.
However, despite his efforts for the Milanese cause, the Brazilians finishing prowess lacks the clinicality that Pato, Ibrahimovic and Inzaghi all boast, and could see the 27 year old used as an impact substitute.
Antonio Cassano
Age:28
Role: Unless form improves dramatically, nothing more than an impact sub.
Antonio Cassano arrived in the midst of the latest controversy surrounding the Bari native’s incident filled career, Cassano came at a time where the Milan squad was cripplingly thin, and supplied a couple of important goals and assists – notably the equalizer against Bari and the 3rd goal against Inter, although the game was pretty much won by then. However, with all Milan’s forwards fit, it’s hard to see where Cassano fits in, and with rumors circling of the former Real Madrid man looking elsewhere, the Italian international may be the first casualty of Milan’s top heavy squad.
Filippo Inzaghi
Age: 37
Role: Respected elder statesman and legend at Milan, but age and fitness will allow for no more than 10-15 games.
“Super Pippo” is a cult hero at Milan, but over time has slipped down the pecking order to being an impact sub to lift spirits and provide a cool head in tight situations. However, age and stamina has evidently blighted the poacher’s twilight phase and in what could be the Italian’s last season in football, Inzaghi will see most of it from the bench, and most likely called upon as a rallying cry to his peers.
Stefan El Shaarawy
Age:18
Role: New arrival, and promised time in the team, but first season will be a huge learning curve.
“The Pharaoh” arrived at Milan touted as the future Number 10 for Italy, and joins a Milan still needing a true, youthful trequartista. However, the Egyptian born youngster will face stiff competition from Kevin Prince Boateng and Clarence Seedorf for the attacking midfield slot, as well as the vast array of players that could slot alongside Ibrahimovic. A combination of substitute appearances and tutelage from more established names at the club is what’s expected for Stefan in the upcoming season, chances are he’ll learn more in the training ground than on the pitch come September.
Alberto Paloschi
Age: 21
Role: Inzaghi’s long term replacement, will be a deputy to the veterans, and probably the occasional substitution.
Named by Inzaghi himself as his heir, Alberto Paloschi has been called back to Milan 3 years after he caught headlines for scoring a goal within 18 seconds on his Milan debut. Since then, he has had his fair share goals at Genoa, netting a brace in the sides 4-3 comeback win against Roma. Like Shaarawy, Paloschi is expected by Pippoi’s understudy in the poachers last season, and eventually become the new Milan number 9. This season will be no more than an induction ceremony for the 21 year old, feeling the plastic of the subs bench much more than the grass of San Siro.
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