At the start of this season, in the various friendlies played during the tour and in last weekend’s matches against Leeds and Chelsea, Max Allegri has fielded a rather chameleon-like lineup. Partly because until a few days ago there wasn’t a natural striker available, and partly because the transfer market has yet to deliver all the necessary players, the ex Juventus coach has alternated between a 3-5-1-1 and a more straightforward 4-3-3.
Both setups have been fluid depending on the phase of play, with the off-ball idea being to form a back three by exploiting the characteristics of the center-backs. Tomori and Pavlovic, as well as De Winter, have no trouble interpreting the “wide center-back” role, shifting fluidly toward the flank depending on possession.
While the use of a three-man midfield seems non-negotiable, with Modric, Ricci, Fofana, Jashari, and Loftus-Cheek set to rotate throughout the season, questions arise over the attack and defense, with some players possibly being “sacrificed” compared to the prominence they’ve enjoyed in recent years. At least, that’s what these early outings seem to suggest.
To play with a back three, at least one more signing is needed: De Winter, Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlovic make just four, which is too few for such a system. Bartesaghi can be adapted if necessary, but another specialist is required, ideally an experienced profile capable of leading the defense. If instead the choice is a back four, then the issue shifts to the full-backs. On the left, things look fine with Estupiñán, Bartesaghi, and Jimenez as an occasional option, but on the right the doubts begin. If Athekame arrives, Milan would be left with the Swiss youngster, born in 2004, and Jimenez, born in 2005. Is that enough to get through a full season? Do they provide the necessary physical and defensive guarantees? Saelemaekers could also be considered as a utility option, but so far he hasn’t been tested that deep.
As for the attack, the only one who currently seems guaranteed a starting place is Rafael Leao. The Portuguese forward has had a preseason in which he showed excellent form, even playing as a central striker. He can be a weapon in both the 3-5-2 and 4-3-3. And Pulisic? He can play alongside Rafa, but in that case both Santi Gimenez and the incoming striker from the market would end up on the bench. In a 4-3-3, he can return to the right flank, a role he has excelled in over the years, forming a high-level front trio with Leao and, for now, Santi. Is Allegri willing to leave himself so exposed? Pulisic could also be used as a mezzala, as Fonseca initially envisioned him last year, but it’s undeniable that he is far more dangerous and consistent out wide.
It’s good to have so many options and possibilities, but for a team that last season was mentally and tactically fragile, having certainties should come first. We’ll see what choices Allegri makes and what opportunities this final stretch of the transfer market will bring.
Source: Milan News
