Four matches into the season, it is now clear what Ruben Amorim’s Milan need in order to consistently create attacking chances, particularly in the final third. We have seen how physically imposing players such as Loftus-Cheek and Rabiot can struggle in tight spaces and when it comes to creating numerical superiority. The Frenchman can be adapted to certain circumstances, but he is a midfielder who can make runs from deep and tear opposing defences apart by starting his moves from midfield. We saw this against Lazio: with his runs into the box, Rabiot eliminated Lazio’s one-on-one reference points, also creating space for his teammates.
Amorim’s solutions on the left: Cisse and Saelemaekers
So the solution is very simple: Cisse is playing too well on the left to be dropped, and behind him could be Saelemaekers, who has the technique and agility to operate in those spaces.
Pulisic and Hutchinson: quality shifts to the right
On the right, however, Pulisic has to play: the American played only 45 minutes this season against Lazio and made the difference. No one in the squad knows how to move in these spaces as well as he does, while also working to create attacking opportunities and pose a threat. With him on the pitch, Milan were flying, combining with precise, quick touches and enjoying total dominance. His impact compared with Loftus-Cheek’s was remarkable.
Hutchinson can be the other attacking midfielder, offering technique and dribbling in that role, especially given that Pulisic has no problem playing on either the right or left. The Jamaican, who arrived on loan from Nottingham Forest, immediately showed that he has the qualities needed to make a difference in Amorim’s football.
As things stand, the pecking order in the attacking midfield positions also appears to be clearly defined:
- On the left: the battle is between Cisse and Saelemaekers.
- On the right: the spots belong to Pulisic and Hutchinson.
