Handle with care: Allegri faced with dilemma as Modric shows understandable fatigue

Luka Modric has been outstanding for AC Milan since joining in the summer from Real Madrid, but he has also perhaps been overused too.

After an exciting start to the season, MilanPress point out that Modric seems to be starting to struggle a little, especially physically. The Croatian has rarely looked tired up until now it must be said, and after starting every league game this season that is remarkable in itself.

Against Torino, however, he was unable to keep up with the pace of the game, especially in the first half. In the second half things improved, thanks above all to his ability to get on the ball in midfield, but also because the hosts sat deeper and afforded more space with a less aggressive press.

The Croatian remains one of Massimiliano Allegri’s most important and therefore most used players. Since the start of the season, the former Spurs man has only been substituted before the 90th minute on two occasions, against Cremonese and Udinese.

Running out of steam?

When the Croatian isn’t having a good day, the whole team feels it. The former Real Madrid player is the Rossoneri’s metronome, and with one mistake from him, the opponents open up spaces that are difficult to close down.

Modric very rarely makes critical errors that lead to goals, but when the entire build-up system is centred around him in a deeper-lying role, it can feel like a bit of a perilous position to rely so heavily on a 40-year-old, even if he remains in excellent shape.

Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images

Allegri still has a world-class player at his disposal without doubt, but growing physical and physiological fatigue should not be underestimated. The season is still long, Milan are top of the table, but to arrive in a good position in March, the entire team must be at its best.

It will therefore be crucial to find a solution to give Modric a rest. Against Lazio in the Coppa Italia, it was clear that Ardon Jashari could be a possible replacement. The former Club Brugge player put in a convincing performance where he grew into the game, especially after a long injury.

Samuele Ricci is also certainly performing well, but his role seems to be that of a box-to-box player, as Allegri doesn’t see him playing in front of the defence. The Swiss therefore seems to be the chosen option to be the back-up for now, and potentially an heir next season.