GdS: The ‘antidote to small teams’ – how Füllkrug is repaying Milan’s faith

On Sunday night, AC Milan piled on the pressure as the second half began, more so than they had done in the first period. However, that was not the difference maker.

Massimiliano Allegri touched on the fact that his side had gotten more aggressive after the break during his post-match press conference. Of course, this helped, but it was not the reason why Milan scored and eventually beat Lecce.

Instead, the Rossoneri won with two passes. Matteo Gabbia played it long to Alexis Saelemaekers and with the Belgian’s second touch, he found Niclas Fullkrug in the penalty area, who nodded the ball home with his first touch.

Football in its simplest, most direct form, and it seems likely that similar goals will be scored in the future.

Fullkrug is the key

Allegri has insisted on having a physical striker in his team, one that is properly able to poach goals, and Fullkrug is that man, at least for now. Whilst he may not be the flashiest option, he gets into the right positions and allows the Rossoneri a different way of playing.

For Gazzetta dello Sport, he is the ‘andidote to small teams’, simply as he offers something different, which can prove to be the difference against low blocks. However, his skill set can also help the Diavolo in other situations.

Unrelated to his profile, too, he also has the heart and desire to succeed. He has a point to prove and a World Cup to go to, which is extra motivation if nothing else.

For now, though, he will focus on being Allegri’s key, ready to help Milan against the small and big teams.