1 week ago
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Santiago Gimenez is expected to start tomorrow’s game against Atalanta, and those around AC Milan are asking questions.
There is something with Gimenez which is difficult for Milan to solve: how to get him scoring? Ultimately, he is not delivering on his price tag so far, and it seems the opportunities may be running out for him.
Massimiliano Allegri wants more from him, and whilst he is providing in other departments, his goal record is not pretty. So, someone else may need to step into his place to create and score goals, too.
Gimenez or Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku would be the obvious bridge to Christian Pulisic, but he has also been accused of not carrying his weight. Today, Carlo Pellegatti spoke to Pepe Di Stefano on his YouTube channel, and they discussed the striker situation, as Radio Rossonera relays.
“Now we have to understand and wait for the situation regarding Nkunku. To judge, we need 3-4 consecutive games as a starter. We need a striker who is hungry for goals, who is obsessed, which is a word that comes up often in the Milan dressing room. Gimenez is an excellent player, but he doesn’t give me the impression of a ferocious attacker in terms of finishing or an eye for goal.
“We need to understand Nkunku to see if the Frenchman can guarantee that threat on the pitch, that assiduous pursuit of goals, that obsession with scoring. We can’t judge him yet because up until now, he’s played little, in fits and starts, and has had some problems, so it’s too early to judge Nkunku.
“However, the next three or four matches, which will see Milan still without Rabiot and Pulisic, will have to give us concrete answers regarding Milan’s attack. Massimiliano Allegri’s work focuses on this point, and he’s certainly not happy with the attack.”
Di Stefano’s view…
“It worries me that this is AC Milan’s third emergency match. The fact that they’re playing against a great opponent is a positive thing for me.
“AC Milan has accustomed us to great reactions for years. I’m worried that this is the third consecutive match, three games in nine days, something they’re not used to and won’t be used to this season, always with the same players.
“Pulisic, Rabiot, and Estupinan, three starters, are missing. Tomori is back: no one will be offended if we say that Koni De Winter hasn’t passed the test on the pitch. It’s not the right time in terms of the squad available, but it could be an opportunity: the matches against Atalanta and Roma can give us all an understanding of the specific importance of this team.
“Winning two games doesn’t mean winning the championship, and not winning two games doesn’t mean not winning the championship. But it’s time to take a small step.”
It will be a difficult one to assess, but Gimenez’s chances are certainly starting to run out. He needs a goal, as much as the Rossoneri need him to get one.
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