18 hours ago
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AC Milan have a few options in midfield, but Samuele Ricci seems to be getting overlooked so far. Something that no one imagined.
The interest in Ricci stretches back years. Milan have constantly had the Italian on their radar, and even been close to making a move for him more recently than not. So, when reports suggested that he would arrive if Tijjani Reijnders left, there was excitement in a way.
Yes, the Rossoneri were losing their star, or one of them. However, they would be gaining another in the form of the Italian regista. Then, Luka Modric arrived, and things got thrown into the air a little. All of a sudden, the need for a regista is lessened.
The Ricci paradox
Throughout pre-season, Ricci started often for Massimiliano Allegri’s side in that deeper role, shielding the defence and being the first man in the attacks regularly. However, as you would expect, since Modric arrived, that role has become his.
This leaves the former Torino man with a bit of uncertainty. His quality was seen from the bench as MilanNews writes. However, he probably deserves to be playing extended spells.
The report suggests, then, that the way forward may be a change of position. Whilst expectations were for a more static midfielder, he has shown that there is more to him as a player than that. Evolving already, even as Allegri stated.
In the summer, he stated that he could play across the midfield, and perhaps this could be the way forward. He may, in the future, settle into that deeper role again. However, he certainly can play in a more advanced role; his creativity and engine allow as much.
Perhaps, even, he could be wasted when playing deeper. Either way, Allegri might have to rethink his place in the squad.
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