Not exactly a start to the season to remember for Matteo Gabbia. The Rossoneri vice-captain has gone from being an indispensable player to making just 17 minutes of appearances so far this season. There could be several reasons for this: the emergence of De Winter, Amorim’s tactical demands and, above all, the ankle problems that began in the summer.
The inflammation was particularly troublesome: nothing truly serious, but enough of a nuisance to prevent the centre-back from training at 100% as usual. The issue lasted for several weeks and, although it has now been resolved, it has left some physical and athletic after-effects. This is mainly why Gabbia has so far been little more than a bit-part player in Ruben Amorim’s new Milan side.
His importance within the Rossoneri squad has grown steadily over the past few years. Since returning from his loan spell at Villarreal, his role has become increasingly significant, eventually leading to him being named vice-captain and becoming an important figure in the dressing room. This season, however, he has played just 17 minutes, spread across two appearances, both as a substitute: 14 against Torino and three against Venezia. He then missed the Juventus game because of the ankle problem and has since spent three consecutive matches on the bench, against Lazio, Benfica and Lecce in Serie A and the Europa League.
The specific nature of his position does not help either. Centre-backs tend to rotate less than players in other positions due to their characteristics and tactical demands: consistency, familiarity with the defensive mechanisms and understanding between team-mates are crucial in that area of the pitch. These factors become even more important when a new coach arrives and the team has to absorb new principles. Amorim is currently finding his first certainties by relying on Gila, De Winter and Pavlovic.
The situation has also changed for another reason. Koni De Winter has become the starting centre-back, with the Portuguese coach changing his position on the pitch. Under Allegri, the Belgian was primarily viewed as an option on the right side of the defence, whereas under the new coach he is being used as the central pillar of the back three. The decision is mainly linked to his characteristics and the demands of the new system. De Winter offers certain solutions in terms of mobility and covering space in behind, while Gabbia possesses important qualities when it comes to reading the game and building from the back. It is clear that, for now, Amorim needs the former Genoa defender’s speed more, as he is capable of defending with a lot of space behind the defensive line.
Has the situation become fixed?
Not at all. From mid-October onwards, a serious run of fixtures awaits, with Serie A and the Europa League piling up. Amorim has already stressed on several occasions that he will really need his entire squad, and Gabbia will certainly be called upon. In the meantime, he has remained at Milanello alongside the other players not called up for international duty and will use these long weeks of the break to regain the form and sharpness he has lacked so far, writes Milannews.it.
