The three friendlies played by Milan during pre-season have highlighted several shortcomings in the squad, and the defence is also an area that requires at least one new addition.
Milan's defensive problems
When Ruben Amorim arrived, he decided to use his trademark 3-4-2-1 formation, a choice that some saw as positive because it would provide continuity with Max Allegri’s work, as the former coach had also set the team up with a three-man defence.
Obviously, a strong defensive line is the backbone of any ambitious team. In this case, the Rossoneri are aiming to reach the top 4 positions in order to secure Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, for readers following foreign online casinos in Greece (ξενα online casino), Milan’s defensive situation is another example of how squad depth and tactical balance can have a major impact on a team’s prospects over the course of a season.
However, the matches played so far have highlighted just how many differences there are between the two coaches, as well as how poorly suited the defenders currently in the squad are to Amorim’s style of play.
The Portuguese coach asks his defenders to build from the back with precision and verticality, qualities that, among those who remain from last season, only Matteo Gabbia possesses. Strahinja Pavlovic, Koni De Winter and Fikayo Tomori, who is expected to leave, have much more difficulty in building play from the back.
Gabbia, however, has problems with another of the coach’s demands: playing with a very high defensive line. Amorim’s idea is to defend around 40 metres from the goal, and the No. 46 could struggle with that requirement.
The only player who appears to be a perfect fit for Amorim’s system is the latest arrival, Mario Gila. The Spaniard is technically very good, but also quick enough to cover a lot of ground and capable of defending effectively.
Another defender is needed at Milanello
It therefore appears necessary for Milan to sign a new defender in the coming weeks, although, as with other positions, a departure will first be required, with Tomori the leading candidate to leave.
The type of defender AC Milan needs to sign will depend heavily on where Amorim sees Gila playing. If the Spaniard is used as the right-sided centre-back, AC Milan will need to sign a central defender. If he plays in the middle, then the club should instead target a left- or right-sided centre-back who can operate as one of the wider defenders in a back three.
Given their previous experience together, Gonçalo Inácio has often been mentioned as a potential target. However, Sporting CP have just appointed him as captain and will therefore demand more than €40 million for him. The Portuguese centre-back could also play in the middle, but his natural position is on the left side of a back three, and it would be difficult to see Pavlovic accepting a place on the bench.
Milan therefore need to find a suitable target, perhaps by taking advantage of an opportunity late in the transfer window, because without new arrivals, it will be difficult for the Rossoneri to challenge for the top positions with this defence. Investments are needed in such an area in order to secure Champions League football for next season, a competition that is also attracting considerable interest among football fans, where such fixtures traditionally generate strong engagements throughout the season.
