GdS: ‘Max is thinking’ – why Pobega and Saelemaekers could be used as full-backs

4 days ago 66

Next season, AC Milan could try a bit of a wildcard pairing at full-back. Of course, it is not set in stone, but Massimiliano Allegri is ‘thinking’.

There is less than a week until Milan depart for their pre season tour of Asia and Australia. Before then, the desire is to complete the team a little more, by adding at least one full-back. However, there is no denying that time is running out to do so.

At present, he only has two ‘proper’ options, as Gazzetta dello Sport (as seen below) writes. So, he is forced to build around the squad, and the only ideas he has are Alexis Saelemaekers and Tommaso Pobega.

There are no doubts that recruitments will be made, but until then, he may as well try a few things.

Saelemaekers and Pobega retreat

Of course, Allegri has reimagined players before, and this should be no diffferent. With Saelemaekers, it is an easy idea. After all, he was the wing-back for Roma towards the end of the season. Though he was not as defensive as a full-back, he showed signs that he could mould into that role.

With Pobega, it is not as easy. During the World Cup break in 2022, the Italian was used as a full-back and with him being left-footed, it is an easy idea to use, really. He performed well at the Dubai tournament, though it will not imaginably be a long-term thing.

Mercato help needed

Innovations are fine and well, but Allegri expects additions to arrive this summer. Especially as Theo Hernandez has left, whilst there are no true right-backs from the previous season – excluding Alex Jimenez, who debatably is more of a wing-back.

Guela Doue and Marc Pubill are the main options for the right hand side, whilst Max likes Andrea Cambiaso and Destiny Udogie for the opposite flank; both are seen as unattainable, though, as the report states.

As a result, the road could lead to Miguel Gutierrez. We shall have to see but for now, the idea of innovation is needed until proper options arrive.