GdS: Why Gimenez remains ‘at the centre’ of Milan’s attack despite league goal drought

Santiago Gimenez enjoys the trust of Massimiliano Allegri early in the season, despite not having scored a goal in Serie A yet.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, Gimenez gets encouraged not only by the coach’s support, but also by the fans’ applause when he’s substituted. The crowd’s instant reaction is often a gut feeling, and therefore a great indicator of the mood around a player.

Gimenez’s season has been strange, very strange: after a decidedly laborious start, with a series of errors in front of goal that had raised alarm bells as loud as Casa Milan, his situation has gradually improved. So much so that a paradox has emerged: key player, 455 minutes, no goals.

Signs of life

Gimenez’s only goal came in the Coppa Italia, in the round of 32 against Lecce. In Serie A his plate is empty, and the appetite grows exponentially week after week. He has hit the woodwork twice and had a couple of disallowed goals, yet has spurned big chances too.

Fortunately for him, however, Allegri has designed a Milan team that somehow manages to find the net without necessarily relying on their centre-forward. The midfielders have more obvious running duties than last year, and Christian Pulisic if flying.

Photo by AC Milan

That’s why Allegri isn’t worried about Santi – at least for now – because the Mexican’s work rate is enough for him. These are things that Max does not fail to underline publicly, and not only because compliments are good for morale, but because they are concepts that are actually visible on the pitch.

One thing has been clear since the summer: Gimenez is the only natural striker in the squad. The first thought that comes to mind is that a centre-forward who doesn’t score is a problem. Not for now, AC Milan. It will be if we’re still sitting here with zero goals at Christmas.

Will he keep his starting spot? Rafael Leao has been out and returned, but has once again received a lot of criticism for his attitude. Christopher Nkunku was a big investment and – condition notwithstanding – he isn’t a No.9 either.

That’s why Gimenez, despite everything, remains firmly at the centre of the attack for now. He often drags men away and opens up spaces, because he annoys opposing centre-backs, and that’s enough for the others to shine.