Many signs of growth compared to the first friendly against Arsenal:
To the defensive solidity, an important effectiveness on the counterattack has been added.
It’s already Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan. The coach's influence is already clear: this is a team that defends well but attacks on the break with deadly precision. Against Liverpool, 8 shots on target and 4 goals, and it could have been even more.
Very good signs. Compared to the match against Arsenal, the defensive phase has been confirmed and is something to appreciate, but we’re also seeing improvement in possession. Low block, ball recovery, counterattack, and goal.
Proceed with caution
That said, this cannot always be the game plan, especially considering that in the league, few teams will attack and allow Milan the chance to counter. A Milan side that controls possession will be needed, with a different script, one we might see with new additions. The Rossoneri must not get carried away, also remembering last summer: a promising preseason that was merely the prelude to a very disappointing season.
AC Milan players reborn
It must be said, though, that Allegri is more credible than Fonseca. Many players look rejuvenated. Loftus-Cheek seems like a brand new signing. We already knew how important Saelemaekers is. And then there’s Leao, who looked switched on from the start: goal, assist, and a different attitude, more hunger and determination. He doesn’t seem satisfied with just doing the minimum and stays in the game from start to finish. He can be the driving force of this team.
A negative note: Estupiñán. A horror 30 minutes in true Ballo-Touré style, too bad to be true. He only arrived a few days ago and will need time. Now Tare will complete the team with a full-back, possibly Doué, and hopefully, Jashari and a striker, who could be Vlahović. If so, the team would be truly competitive, as relayed via Calciomercato.com.
In the meantime, one signing is already making the difference, and his name is Massimiliano Allegri.
