Milan’s attacking midfield remains a puzzle to solve. Ruben Amorim knows this and has been trying out different solutions since the start of the season. For their Europa League opener against Benfica, Cisse-Hutchinson will be the duo playing behind Ramos. It is an unfamiliar pairing that reflects two different situations: on the one hand, Cisse, one of the most positive performers at the start of the season; on the other, the 2003-born player, who is still largely unknown as a starter, as relayed via Milan Press.
Cisse looking to continue his form, Hutchinson looking to make his mark
Cisse has already shown that he can make an impact from his very first appearances in a Milan shirt. The 2007-born player has been one of the most convincing performers at the start of the season (2 goals in 4 matches), gradually earning more playing time and greater consideration in Amorim’s pecking order. Now, after what he has shown in the opening weeks, he could also make his European debut.
Alongside him could be Omari Hutchinson. The midfielder, who arrived in the summer, has so far made just one appearance, coming on during the match against Lazio. That is far too little to properly assess his qualities and, above all, the impact he could have on this Milan side. The clash with Benfica could therefore represent his first real opportunity to show what he can do at San Siro.
Amorim is counting heavily on him
Amorim himself hinted at something on the eve of the match: "He is ready. He has quality, he can play in different positions and we have to be ready to use him." The Portuguese coach also reiterated that he does not want to rely on a fixed starting XI and intends to involve the entire squad. During pre-season, however, he placed great faith in Cisse, with the phrase "I love Cisse" becoming famous after one of his first press conferences. The player has repaid that faith with goals and excellent performances. Now, is it Hutchinson’s turn?
