Tuttosport: Change of plan – Milan have new idea for the future with Jashari’s return

In the summer, AC Milan were looking for a midfield of six. Now, it is impossible to view it as more than a three. 

When Ardon Jashari was injured near the end of the mercato, Adrien Rabiot’s arrival was dependent on Yunus Musah, and vice versa. Musah’s exit would only be possible if someone arrived. The reasoning is simple: Massimiliano Allegri wanted six options.

So, the summer ended with Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot, Youssouf Fofana, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari.

Six to three: Where does Jashari play?

Now, as Tuttosport writes, via MilanNews, it is difficult to look past the first three names on that list. Modric, Fofana and Rabiot are ‘irreplaceable’, and now the back-ups are struggling to find space in the squad.

Photos: Jonathan Moscrop + Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images

For Jashari, the big money arrival, the question is where he plays when he returns. As a deeper option, he will face Modric, a battle in which he probably won’t be successful, probably. Nevertheless, he could find space as the Croatian’s ‘alter ego’, filling in for him whenever he is needed and learning from him, too.

This idea is also supported by Ricci’s gradual shift into a more advanced role, though the Italian also remains very capable at the base of midfield. In other words, Jashari’s spot is not guaranteed, despite the money spent.