GdS: ‘Another flop’ – Gimenez struggles again as pressures rise at Milan

After joining in January, there were some early criticisms of Santiago Gimenez when he first arrived at AC Milan. 

Now, half a season onwards, the questions have not slowed. In fact, they have grown more regular with more expectations. After a €30 million move, there was always going to be pressure on the Mexican’s shoulders. So far, he is not coping with it.

Filling a void

Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write how there has been a void to fill since Olivier Giroud left, and Gimenez was the one to change that in an ideal world. An assist against Roma, a goal against Empoli and one at San Siro against Verona, it seemed the prophecy had been fulfilled.

Since then, though, it has gone quiet. Doubts are more present than any evidence that he can be the man that the Rossoneri need, and the rumours of a future away have probably not helped, even whilst he has tried to silence them.

First example

Before the Cremonese game, he stated, ‘The only truth is that the championship is about to start. And it will be an incredible season’. However, this was not the case. Instead, he fell short in the opener and did little to nothing.

After the game, there was support from Massimiliano Allegri, who still wants a new striker, but this is not enough to silence the doubters.

Space in the team

Moving forward is difficult. If a more senior striker arrives this summer, it is difficult to see how Gimenez fits into the team, at least as a starter. However, if someone like Conrad Harder is the choice, then there is competition.

A younger push may be what he needs, rather than an overshadowing senior. What Milan need, though, is a goalscorer, and time is running out. Against Lecce, it could already be a decisive game…