The AC Milan team departed for Italy at 11 a.m. local time in Riyadh, carrying even more question marks around their squad, as pointed out by Milan News. On a cold Arab night in mid-December, the team was frozen by an almost total technical flop concerning the most expensive summer signings. Looking closely, the backbone of the starting lineup chosen by Massimiliano Allegri last night represents the top three transfers Milan paid the most for between July and August. Between De Winter (18 million euros), Ardon Jashari (35 million euros), and Christopher Nkunku (37 million euros), a total of 90 million euros was spread across all three positions. But while money doesn’t play on the field, these expenses must be justified. At the moment, Milan must ask more than one question about how a team has been built that, beyond the 12–13 starters, struggles in its alternatives.
De Winter not up to AC Milan's standards:
The summer investment in Koni De Winter to replace Malick Thiaw is now a confirmed flop. In every game the former Genoa player has played, technical errors have cost Milan. In just the last two matches, the Belgian was responsible for the crucial phase of Sassuolo’s equalizing goal (where he blocks Pinamonti, who sets up Laurienté) and especially Napoli’s two goals last night, where he was “bullied” by Hojlund. As Tomori’s backup, he is ineffective and struggles, which is why Allegri wants another central defender (Thiago Silva?). In an ideal Milan, De Winter should be Tomori’s reserve, not the first option for all three central positions.
Jashari fails first big test
The big surprise last night was Ardon Jashari starting in place of Luka Modric. A bold choice by Allegri, who not only wanted to rest the Croatian, who has looked off-form recently, but also wanted to give the former Club Brugge player his first senior test. It was a timid baptism by fire. Jashari played too much sideways and very little forward, making Milan’s build-up sterile and predictable. He lacks match rhythm in legs and mind, has very good technical skills, but must return to the playmaker’s manual if he wants to earn more minutes.
The usual Nkunku
Talking about Christopher Nkunku has become almost like shooting at the Red Cross. A simple exercise that the French forward makes even easier with his performances. Last night, when he provided the assist that Saelemaekers sent straight into the desert from a great position, even the Arab fans were surprised. When the roles reversed and Nkunku wasted Milan’s biggest counterattack, resignation reached extreme levels, as if everyone had grown accustomed to these mistakes. And to think that on the other side, Hojlund, long pursued in the summer, condemned Milan to elimination.
