Ardon Jashari’s experience as Luka Modric’s deputy effectively lasted three minutes. On Sunday at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, that was all it took for the Swiss midfielder to lose possession after a physical duel with an opponent, opening up space for Berardi, who then put the Neroverdi ahead. A psychological blow for Jashari and for Milan as a whole, who were unable to recover and sank without trace. A very poor overall performance that will lead Allegri to reshuffle his plans on Sunday evening against Atalanta.
Jashari's unlucky first season with AC Milan...
If we break down the complicated Jashari equation, it must be acknowledged and highlighted that for the Swiss player it has not been the most fortunate of seasons. It began with a dream, a move to a prestigious club such as Milan after a season as MVP of the Belgian league. The Swiss midfielder first paid the price for an irregular pre-season preparation due to prolonged negotiations and then, above all, for a serious fibula injury that kept him out until the end of November. All of this caused a clear delay in his already difficult adaptation to Italian football. Once back in the squad, on the one hand Allegri preferred to rely on those who had meanwhile become established certainties, while on the other Jashari was unable to make the most of the chances he was given, as relayed via Milan News.
The Modric deputy changes...
In total, Jashari has accumulated just 733 minutes, across 15 appearances, only seven of which were starts. After Luka Modric’s injury against Juventus, it was thought that in these final four matches Jashari might finally come into his own. Instead, the disastrous performance away at Sassuolo confirmed his negative season: never in rhythm, sluggish, and with few flashes of quality. On the eve of the match at San Siro against Atalanta, Allegri tried Samuele Ricci as a holding midfielder, with Loftus-Cheek playing on the other side alongside Rabiot. A decision that, if confirmed in tomorrow’s final training session, would represent a clear rejection of Ardon Jashari. Not a definitive one, as his age and the investment made last summer, as well as this season’s setbacks, logically suggest that Milan will still look to rely on him next year. This season, however, the opportunity seems to have definitively slipped away.
