1 week ago
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Christopher Nkunku is the favourite to start alongside Rafael Leao for AC Milan in their game against Roma tonight, and there is a tactical reason for that.
The initial predicted starting elevens had Pulisic included up front, seeing as he’s been one of the Rossoneri’s best players this season. However, in his last two games, he has missed some pretty good chances and perhaps this has given Allegri some second thoughts.
On the other hand, there is no doubt that the American adds a lot of creativity and also makes life difficult for the defenders with his movement. That’s why it was still a bit surprising to see him, mentioned on the bench by the papers, but there seems to be a reason for it.
Como-style gameplan
According to today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), Allegri wants a gameplan that is similar to the one we saw against Como. In other words, we can expect Roma to see a lot of the ball in this game and therefore, when given the chance, Milan need to be ready on the counter.
Subsequently, Leao will have to drift wide a bit more to run at the defence with his trademark runs, which is exactly what we saw with the assist for Adrien Rabiot against Como. With the No.10 drifting wide, Allegri feels that a reference point is needed in attack.
Therefore, instead of Pulisic who’s usually quite fluid with his movement, the manager wants Nkunku who can act as a more traditional striker. The Frenchman’s position should allow Leao, Rabiot and Bartesaghi to do what they do best on the left-hand side.
Having said all of the above, it’s obvious that Pulisic will be ready to make a contribution off the bench. Seeing as he’s been very useful as a super sub before, perhaps this is just what he needs to get his shooting abilities back in full.
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