GdS: ‘Max the magician’ – how a ‘new Milan’ has been created through acquisitions

AC Milan’s summer transfer window has divided opinion in the months that follow, but now there are obvious green shoots.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report, the mercato often plays out in a league of its own as big signings fail while low-cost acquisitions that prove to be hugely impactful. In the summer and in January, fans follow the negotiations closely, hoping their team hits the jackpot.

The start of the winter window was marked by the arrival of Niclas Füllkrug – who was immediately integrated – and the grand finale came amid palpitations over the Jean-Philippe Mateta case and the resounding victory over Bologna.

Overall, thanks to the latest arrivals – both summer and winter – the team has shifted into a higher gear, one suited to fighting at the top of the table. The investments have paid off in points and confidence, not all of them but most.

If the ‘new Milan’ has renewed its mentality and its style of play, its players and its scorers, much of the credit goes to strategist Massimiliano Allegri. Max has made the most of the technical material at his disposal.

The turning point

Christipher Nkunku’s exploits are underpinned by the coach’s insistence. He said some time ago amid criticism aimed at the Frenchman: “For those arriving from outside, it can take time, it’s a question of character. Nkunku is finally growing.”

Thus, after a dim first half of the season, the spotlight has turned: five goals in the last six games, as many as in his previous 48 matches across Serie A and the Premier League.

The former Chelsea player broke the deadlock with a brace against Verona, followed by a goal in Florence, a penalty in Como, and another in Bologna.

Three of his five total goals have come from the spot, a distinction that in no way detracts from his merit. Being a ruthless penalty taker is a source of pride, while his other goals have highlighted the other qualities of a complete centre-forward. He cost €37m, and is starting to look worth the money.

The leaders

If his contribution to the cause is measured in terms of goals (and assists), Adrien Rabiot is unique, or almost unique: he’s one of two midfielders to have scored at least four goals and provided at least as many assists in this Serie A season, along with Nico Paz.

His leadership contribution is also difficult to quantify: Adrien works hard in both phases, he commands the midfield and he makes those around him better. A leader that Milan found on the market for just €5m. His cost is inversely proportional to his extremely high performance.

With a 6.73 average rating, Rabiot is the second-best performing player in the league according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, behind only his team-mate Luka Modric. The same applies to the Croatian: he cost nothing (in transfer fee), average rating of 6.8.

The others

In the last eight games, ten goals have come directly from the transfer market. Nkunku (5) and Rabiot (3) lead the way, but we must also add the decisive strikes of Füllkrug and Koni De Winter.

The German has been invaluable as a resource off the bench: he scored a header against Lecce that deserved three points. He is on loan with an option to buy for €5m: as a back-up striker he could prove to be a bargain.

De Winter opened the scoring against Roma with a header. More than appearing among the new scorers, what is interesting is the work done by De Winter in stopping the opposition attackers: a growth that has taken him from being a less-than-reliable reserve to an addition starter.

Then there are those who, even without scoring, have made themselves noticed with good ideas: Zachary Athekame in Bologna replaced Saelemaekers on the right, and was a source of excellent crosses.

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Allegri often praises Samuele Ricci’s tactical intelligence and application, even in a role other than his natural one, from deep-lying playmaker to midfielder.

The real wait remains for Ardon Jashari: not so much for his goals, which aren’t his forte, but for his game plan and vision. He was the second most expensive signing of the summer transfer window, arriving from Club Brugge for over €30m, and has so far been hampered by an early-season injury.

It’s too early to judge the young David Odogu, while the exception that proves the rule so far is Pervis Estupinan. He has 12 appearances and one assist, but he’s almost never truly convincing. An ankle injury suffered while playing for the national team has compromised his performances.

Nonetheless, this has allowed Milan to develop a young product of the youth academy, Davide Bartesaghi. He wasn’t considered a starter at the start of the season, but he can be considered something of a new signing: two goals in 18 games.