2 weeks ago
10
Since the summer, the transformation at AC Milan has been noticeable. Now, it is difficult to see the team of old.
Massimiliano Allegri has rocked the boat of Milan, and what is left is a strong team. The demands have been increased dramatically, and the Rossoneri now must be at their best for 90 minutes, no less.
Its effects are clear to see, too. At this moment, Allegri’s team sit top of the Serie A table by themselves, a feat which they have not achieved for almost two years. Of course, work still must be done, but Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) states that there are four clear indications of the progress so far.
1. Defensive phase
Allegri’s biggest asset is his ability to build strong defences, and Milan are seeing this play out in front of their eyes. They remain the second-best defensive team in the league, only conceding four goals in the opening seven.
Rules are in place to stop mistakes – they stay compact, tight, and press relentlessly higher up the pitch. Mike Maignan is having quieter nights as a result of the work done on transitions, and he is performing better for it, too.
2. Midfield evolution
The midfield was shaken up in the summer; it is not a case of a defensive or attacking hand-me-down. No, it is his ideas and his players. Luka Modric was given the keys in the summer, and Adrien Rabiot has only brought additional strength.
Youssouf Fofana, whilst a remnant of the previous coaches, has also transformed into a bit of a box-crasher. He needs to work on his finishing, yes, but he, too, has transformed under the new coach. That 15-goal target is right; the final tweaks are only needed.
3. Three or five with Pavlovic
In the past few years, the Diavolo have regularly looked like a three-defender team, but they have never optimised the squad for it. Matteo Gabbia continues to look solid, and he is almost Mr. Reliable in the middle.
However, the biggest winners of the changes in mentality and system have to be Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlovic. The duo looked like question marks for large parts of last season, but now they are firmly at the forefront of importance. Both look inspired thanks to Allegri, and their performances are no longer filled with doubts. Despite this, though, Gabbia remains the driving force, with a captain’s mentality.
4. Trusting reserves
Finally, the Livorno coach has stuck to his ways; however, everyone has given him food for thought. Reserves, who would normally come in in emergencies, have been given chances occasionally to further boost the environment.
Koni De Winter, Samuele Ricci, and Davide Bartesaghi. All have had to wait for opportunities, but when they arrive, they provide. Whether any of them could forge a way into the starting team remains to be seen. However, the mentality of ‘having to provide’ is proving to work.
Allegri, whilst he may not doubt internally, certainly has decisions to make from a public perspective.
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