In the end, for one reason or another, it’s Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican striker will lead Milan’s attack from the first minute against Bari, after his emphatic return with a goal in the friendly against Leeds United a week ago.
There were supposed to be more highly rated options, but he never stopped working for his starting spot. A spot that, in truth, has been his since January: he didn’t come to San Siro at the start of the year to play a supporting role, but to try to turn around a season that ultimately ended in disappointment for the team as a whole, as pointed out by MilanPress.it.
Now that everything starts from scratch, it’s him who has to make the difference. His interpretation of attacking play may not perfectly match what Massimiliano Allegri demands, but the coach himself immediately showed a willingness to back a development plan for the number 7: “A centre-forward, more than anything, has to score goals. Today Gimenez scored, so I’m happy.”
Transfer rumours may be unsettling, but as of August 16, on the eve of the Rossoneri’s first official match of the season, the squad includes just one true striker: El Bebote. It will be up to the Mexican to show the newcomers that they’ll have to fight hard before they can take his place.
