Some of the starting XI choices over the past month have sparked debate within Milan. Even though the options are limited, Allegri perhaps could have done something more coherent. Modric is showing he is not a cyborg, and it is probably time to see Jashari more often.
Perhaps starting the Swiss player against Sassuolo and deploying the Croat against Napoli in Riyadh would have been more effective. The former Club Brugge man has all the qualities to perform well in the league too, and it does him no good to play only in matches with heavy rotation, where overall concentration is not at its highest.
But the coach’s cry for help concerns two specific positions, and by now the mask has definitively come off. A natural centre-back and a true number nine are needs that can no longer be postponed.
Beyond the difficulties in interpreting the roles of De Winter and Nkunku, it is now clear that these are the positions that can be realistically improved. Unfortunately, the various opportunities given to both players have produced few positive signs, and the January transfer window is likely to focus precisely on these two areas of the pitch.
Are we facing a situation similar to Milan–Cremonese before Rabiot?
Allegri’s insistence on describing performances as good when they were not, such as against Lazio in the Coppa Italia or Napoli last night, suggests that Max wants an effort from the club, but he does so in a polite, understated way rather than a theatrical one, as pointed out via Milan Press.
