As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport in their website, Milan has corrected its situation in recent weeks, positioning itself almost halfway between Juventus in second place (+7) and Fiorentina in fourth place (-8). In this surge that brought Milan closer to the next Champions League, Olivier Giroud's imprint is clearly visible: 10 goals, second in the scorers' list, 2 goals, and 3 assists in the last five games that improved Pioli's standings.
The problem is that while Lautaro is 26 and Vlahovic is about to turn 23, Milan's Giroud is 37. The former Chelsea striker, chosen by Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara, was the cover man for the 2021-22 Serie A title: not just for the brace in the turning-point derby but for his reassuring presence and driving force. However, Milan cannot depend solely on the wonderful performance of a 37-year-old champion.
Rafael Leao, different in attitude and position on the field, doesn't even come close to the level of impact of his teammate. The Portuguese will mature, grow, make a difference: we continue to wait, as per Gazzetta. But the present tells a different story and, above all, it tells that Milan will need to acquire a great forward next summer. Not a prospect, a gamble, or an alternative. But a certainty. Because they will lose the certainty of Giroud's goals (if he stays, he will inevitably have a part-time role and therefore score less) and also everything that the Frenchman sows on the field so that the team can later reap the rewards.
Adriano Galliani used to choose center-forwards by flipping through the Panini Almanac. That is, by reading the number of goals scored year after year. A selection system quite different and more reliable than algorithms, writes La Gazzetta dello Sport in their website, not because there's a refusal to embrace a more scientific approach to football, but because there are roles that have specificities obscure to computers.
The center-forward matures at different rates, except for phenomena like Haaland. Anyone can score a splendid goal, but consistency is not a photo that is taken and printed; it's a puzzle you assemble day after day, through hard work. This doesn't mean that, at the moment of the final decision, young players should be neglected. However, regardless of age, Milan will need a striker capable of dealing with San Siro, attacking Serie A defenses, and living up to responsibilities. And to score, preferably a lot.
Benjamin Sesko seems to be the top choice today. Strong, very strong, capable of providing aggression and technique. But also very young and still lacking the savvy of an area frequenter that only time can provide. And indeed, he usually sits on the bench in Leipzig. So, using just one adjective, what should the next Milan center-forward be like? Ready. For Milan, it will be an essential choice. Making a mistake would be very serious.
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