MN: ‘Exam passed’ – Athekame shows promise against Bologna as confidence emerges

When Zachary Athekame joined AC Milan, there were questions about what role he would play in the squad. Those still remain, but he is fighting back.

There have been several questions this year about the recruitment from the summer, and Athekame has been subject to them. Not naturally a wing-back, his addition was scrutinised heavily, given he was not really what Milan needed.

With Alexis Saelemaekers at wing-back, an experienced back-up would have probably ticked more boxes. After all, without Saelemaekers – who isn’t a natural wing-back in his own right – the Rossoneri look slim.

Fikayo Tomori can provide cover at right-back, and it seemed the Swiss also preferred this role. However, things may have turned.

Athekame’s audition

Against Bologna, as MilanNews writes, the young defender did not make the headlines. However, his performance was very solid. It was a complex match and he got through perfectly, showing that he can compete against European-level opposition.

He played without fear, was quick in every aspect and showed determination, all whilst taking the reins from a showstopper in Saelemaekers.

Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images

Whilst there was no immediate impact on the scoreline from him, he tried a few crosses into the box, whilst also defending well also. So, he has proven that he can be a ‘real alternative’ to Saelemaekers, given he is not a starter yet.

Indeed, a solid starting point, and a proof of his reliability. There should be no rush to find cover at wing-back now, he deserves a chance to show himself as cover.