After the end of last season, many thought this could be Ardon Jashari's season. His first campaign with the Rossoneri was affected by the adjustment period, competition for places and some physical problems, but this time there were expectations of seeing the Swiss midfielder feature more regularly in the starting XI. However, his playing time has remained below expectations.
The pecking order has not changed yet
The conditions for greater involvement seemed to be there. Milan were expected to face a more demanding season, while the presence of Luka Modrić, now 41, made it almost inevitable that the midfield would need to be managed more carefully. The Croatian remains a key player because of his quality and experience, but it is difficult to imagine him playing 90 minutes every three days throughout the season. It was precisely in this scenario that Jashari was expected to find more opportunities, as relayed via Milan Press.
Adrien Rabiot also complicates the picture, although Amorim can use him further forward, on the attacking-midfield line. This is a solution that changes the balance and gives the coach several alternatives, but it has not yet led to a significant increase in the Swiss midfielder’s playing time.
The real opportunity comes with the cups
It is not yet time to talk about a rejection. So far, the fixture list has allowed Milan to prepare for matches with greater tranquillity. From next week, with the European competitions getting under way, everything will change: matches will begin to come every three days and rotation will become a necessity. This is where Jashari will have to be ready.
The opportunities will come, especially given the need to protect Modrić and spread the workload across several competitions. But having minutes available will not be enough: the Swiss midfielder will have to show that he can be a genuine alternative and not simply a player to be used when someone else is unavailable.
Now it is up to Jashari
Milan need Jashari to take this step forward. Not necessarily by immediately becoming a regular starter, but by earning Amorim’s trust through convincing performances. When his opportunity comes, he will have to take it. The run of closely spaced matches should finally give him the consistency he has lacked so far. From there, the pecking order could change too.
The season is still long and the limited playing time in the opening rounds cannot be considered a verdict. The real test will begin when Milan are called upon to play three matches in a week. Modrić will remain fundamental. But to compete on all fronts, Milan will need Jashari too.
