Longoni believes Milan’s defence is incomplete: “Something is missing structurally”

Andrea Longoni believes that AC Milan’s midfield department is now complete, but is worried about the lack of leadership in the defence.

Milan have been among to busiest teams in the summer transfer window so far, with plenty of player movement. However, the feeling is that the squad is still incomplete, with a new striker expected to arrive in order to finish the attack.

Moreover, there has also been some speculation about the idea that another central defender could arrive before the window shuts, especially if Massimiliano Allegri were to persist with playing three central defenders.

‘Complete midfield’

Longoni published his weekly column for MilanNews and he offered his thoughts on the current state of the squad, stressing that there is currently a lack of experience in the defence.

“Milan’s season officially begins today. Tonight’s Coppa Italia match against Bari is a legacy of last season’s disastrous defeat.

“Don’t underestimate the opponent, but objectively the difference in category and level is striking: in effect, it will be the final (and very manageable) test before the start of the championship next Saturday.

“While we wait to see how the squad will be finalised, let’s take stock. The midfield is undoubtedly the most complete and well-rounded unit. A wealth of options and a variety of characteristics will give Allegri plenty to choose from.

“Up front, a No. 9 is still missing , a major target of the last two weeks of the transfer market. But with Leao, Pulisic, and Gimenez, there’s significant potential. It’s clear that Tare’s signing up front will tell us just how high the team’s ambitions can rise.

“In my opinion, the Mexican will bring excellent goalscoring potential, but we don’t yet know, with only a few months at Milan under his belt, whether he can be the striker capable of starting the team from 1-0 every time.

Photo by AC Milan

“Not even Hojlund can be a sure thing in this regard. Vlahovic , in my opinion, is much more so. This is the opinion of the writer, given that no one knows the truth and it’s a matter of taste. The Dane now at Manchester United still carries a certain element of risk: he could become a nice exclamation point, but it remains to be seen.

“He’s scored 10 league goals at most. The Serbian now at Juventus, at Hojlund’s age, already scored 24 goals in Serie A in a single season. A year younger, he already scored 21 in the league.

“In any case, the area that naturally raises the most doubts is the defence. The flanks aren’t top-notch, and the mix of central defenders remains to be seen. Allegri is a specialist in enhancing the defence, but the feeling is that something is missing structurally.

“In particular, they need a player capable of leading the way and giving meaning to everything else – a player of quality and great experience. Like Kjaer from a few years ago, who changed the face of Milan’s defence.

“That’s why the next signings will be crucial in determining the team’s true ambitions. A Super 9 and a top defender would change everything, for the better, obviously… Otherwise, a miracle from Massimiliano Allegri would be needed to win the Scudetto.”