Are AC Milan cursed? Well, possibly. How else would you explain a fit footballer experiencing a stroke on a plane or a burly battler being blinded in one eye after clamoring into a frail veteran. But Adriano Galliani cannot sit with his arms folded claiming ‘we are the most successful club in the world’ mantra and let the fans endure a horrid season. Replacements are well and truly required. In a couple of months time, Uncle Fester will need to weave his magic wand, again.
Antonio Cassano and Gennaro Gattuso’s injuries are crucial. However, the former being effectively ruled out for the rest of the season is a severe blow. Cassano’s influence at Milan steadily grew from the start of this season and he could have guided Milan to another Scudetto. The creativity and unpredictability he brings to the table is an underrated asset, particularly useful in Europe.
Cassano is a creative forward and finding a like-for-like replacement is a near impossible task. The direct alternatives are financially unfeasible and the B grade options will not cut it at Milan. A simple, effective way of replacing him this season, is by purchasing a trequartista, a creative attacking midfielder who would slot behind the strikers in the no. 10 position. Milan’s robust personality has fallen short of success in recent times with Cassano’selusive spark often bouncing the team toward victories. This physical beast will have to charm its way to silverware and that is only possible by injecting creativity in the side.
Now of course, the obvious option is Riccardo Montolivo. The Atalanta youth product runs out of his contract at the end of the season with Fiorentina. The Delle Valle family will dread to lose him for free and might take anything that comes their way. The rumors have gathered pace and it is only a matter of time, I think, before we see Monty strutting his stuff to the Milanello.
Gattuso needs no replacing. Well, that statement might have shaken you up a bit. That was not quite the intention of the sentence, but there is reason enough to believe in the opinion that the terrier-like midfielder has adequate replacements within the squad. Mathieu Flamini’s arrival a few years ago subtly reminded everyone about Gattuso’s career drawing to a close with the Rossoneri. Although the Frenchman is injured, he will be back after the winter break.
Alternatively, Antonio Nocerino is proving to be a handful for many a midfielder with his tireless work ethic and willingness to move into attacking positions when provided with the opportunity. So in effect, Nocerino can do what Gattuso does and more, without picking the cards while also making his presence felt in the opposition box.
However, there is a gaping hole in Milan’s midfield that screams for attention. Mark van Bommel has aged at a remarkable pace over the last six months. Massimo Ambrosini resembles a floating skeleton. The absence of quality in front of the defense makes Milan particularly vulnerable. If Milan seek to win important trophies this season, the central defensive midfield position must be addressed. Fortunately, there are options for Galliani to pursue.
Within Italy, one name stands above the rest. He goes by the name of Daniele De Rossi. If morality, ethics and decency be forgotten, temporarily, Milan can get this man. Thomas DiBenedetto is unlikely to be infatuated by the Roman like his predecessors were. Being a businessman and nothing more, DiBenedetto could be persuaded to let De Rossi leave. If Galliani intends to be a gentleman, Lassana Diarra or Yann M’Vila are undeniably of the highest quality and could be available at the flash of some cash.
Finally, an area that needs attention is at left back. Taye Taiwo’s bosman transfer excited Milanisti the world over but the Nigerian is incomplete as a full back. His final ball is thickly disappointing and he looks bewildered while defending. Constantly caught out of position, Taiwo is a glamorized Luca Antonini. Options then.
Federico Balzaretti of Palermo will fit hand in glove at Milan. A seasoned Serie A campaigner and the best left back in Italy by a comfortable distance, Balzaretti is da Milan.In event of Maurizio Zamparini going bonkers, like he so often does, Maxwell of Barcelona is worthy of a shout. Maxwell’s arrival will not force Galliani to cast a worried glance at Finvest and would reduce Mauro Tassoti’s sleepless nights.
Milan do need players of quality to remain competitive. The loss of key players and questionable quality in certain areas of the pitch should be focussed on. If the management chooses to rest on its laurels from last season and continues to delude itself with history, this team is destined for a disappointing year. Of that there is little doubt.
Follow Rajath Kumar on twitter @rajathkumar and make sure you read his AC Milan blog as well.
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Good article Rajath. I cannot see De Rossi moving to Milan….! However at left back there is a problem but i think they can cover Cassano with Pato, El Sharaawy and Pippo. There has been talk of Quagliarella joining in January…Not sure mad old Zamparini will sell half way thru the season so Balzaretti will remain at Palermo im sure. Gonna be an interesting Winter transfer period…
Good article!
Taiwo has been awful so far but I think Allegri will persist with him.
There’s no doubting Cassano is a huge blow, no idea who will replace him though.
De Rossi would be a huge signing.
Best option for CAM is Var Der Vart…. he is also eligible for CL…. he and monty will be perfect addition… Let see what happens in Jan 2012
II Mister – Thank you. But never say never. Galliani is capable of making things happen.
Ryan Smith – Thanks.
Anil – Spurs will milk the transfer. We might not be able to afford VDV.