In recent weeks at AC Milan there has been a clear dip in form among the starting fullbacks: Alexis Saelemaekers on the right and Davide Bartesaghi on the left.
Saelemaekers and Athekame: the situation on the right...
Starting with the right flank, it is impossible not to mention the decline of regular starter Saelemaekers. In the last two matches against Como and Parma, the first after his return, he showed many mistakes and signs of nervousness, never managing to make an impact in either phase of play.
A lot of smoke and little substance for the Belgian, who often looked out of sync and not fully involved in the game. It is a clear change compared to the first months of the season, when he was often among the best performers.
A different situation applies to Athekame. After a very poor start, due to his teammate’s injury he played more minutes and showed some positive signs, especially from an attacking point of view. It is difficult to see the Swiss player as a regular starter from now until the end of the season, but he deserves a few more minutes.
Bartesaghi and Estupiñán: the situation on the left...
Bartesaghi has also experienced a dip in form. He has been less proactive going forward compared to a few weeks ago and at times he struggles defensively as well. For the 2005-born player, in his first season with the senior team, a drop was predictable, but more is also required from him.
Unlike the opposite flank, on the left there is also an issue with the backup, Estupiñán. Signed as a replacement for Theo Hernández, he lost his place after only a few weeks and has not regained it.
Recently he has played little and when he comes on he almost seems afraid. In the summer he could already depart, but in the meantime Allegri and the staff must find a way to help him finish the season on an upward trend, at least to increase his valuation ahead of the summer transfer window, as relayed via MilanPress.it.
Problems in the style of play?
The lack of impact from the flanks against Como and Parma was clearly felt, as shown by the results and by the fact that the only goal in the two matches came from a central long pass by Jashari for Rafael Leao.
A first step to help them return to better form would be to change the way they receive the ball. Saelemaekers in particular almost always receives it to his feet and almost never in a dynamic situation.
The number 56 is very skilled with the ball at his feet, but he always has to start from a standing position to create danger, whereas with more movement he could be more threatening.
With the Belgian especially, a way must also be found to help him stay calmer throughout the 90 minutes. His energy is at times very useful, but in several cases it has only made him more inaccurate and has led him to pick up too many bookings or take excessive risks.
