We all saw it against Torino. Mario Gila is already a key player in this team. He is quick, often looks to play vertically rather than backwards, and has already shown an excellent ability to read the game and pick out the right pass. Perhaps he cannot be the only solution in defence, but the Spaniard's impact was clear for everyone to see. The final stages, which Milan struggled through after he went off with cramp, were further proof of that. With a player like Gila, Amorim's Milan have added a real engine of pace and intensity.
Gila's impact immediately in debut vs Torino
Overall, it was an excellent performance from Mario Gila against Torino. Were we surprised? Honestly, no. During his two years at Lazio, the Spanish defender has repeatedly demonstrated his qualities: pace, athleticism, concentration and quickness, writes Milannews.it. These are all characteristics that bring something new to Milan's defensive line and to the way the role is interpreted. Under Massimiliano Allegri, we had all become accustomed to something very different, with a much more defensive approach. With the hugely positive impact of a player like Gila, that characteristic has disappeared.
At Amorim's request, the team often pushed high up the pitch, backed by the intense pressing they maintained for large parts of the game. It all worked until the 75th minute, when the Rossoneri, and Gila in particular, understandably began to suffer a noticeable physical drop-off.
Alieu Njie's introduction for the final 15 minutes certainly put Milan's right flank under pressure, the side occupied by Chukwueze and Mario Gila. It was precisely on one of the Swedish youngster's runs that the Spaniard suffered cramp and was subsequently replaced by Gabbia.
Without Gila, Milan struggled badly in that area of the pitch. It was no coincidence. Torino had hardly looked dangerous before that. Abate needed just one substitution, combined with Gila's forced departure, to put the Rossoneri under pressure.
Gila was crucial at that moment, but risking another muscle problem was simply not an option. The substitution was the right decision, and some late suffering was only natural after Milan had dominated the match for more than an hour.
As mentioned earlier, Gila is indispensable. But Milan also need more options in defence. Gila is an excellent player, but perhaps he alone will not be enough.
