Milan - Juventus 0-0
Another very disappointing performance from the Rossoneri. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, given the start by Paulo Fonseca, once again played below par. The Englishman had few meaningful touches, was invisible in midfield, and contributed nothing in advanced positions.
The difference compared to the player who, under Pioli, ended last season with 10 goals and 2 assists is stark.
Loftus-Cheek has yet to score this season. He has gone from being one of Stefano Pioli's key players to becoming a luxury benchwarmer under Paulo Fonseca. The midfielder still hasn’t found his place in the Portuguese coach’s Milan.
He has been tried in every conceivable role: as an emergency striker against Udinese, an attacking midfielder in Parma, a mezzala (box-to-box midfielder) yesterday against Juventus, and even as a holding midfielder at times.
Why is Ruben Loftus-Cheek struggling?
Perhaps the Englishman is having difficulties with Milan’s new style of play. Christian Pulisic frequently moves into central areas, and Morata often drops deep to collect the ball. Loftus-Cheek finds himself in a densely packed area he previously thrived in under Pioli, now with no forward in the box to draw defenders away and create space for him.
Is Paulo Fonseca right to keep relying on Ruben Loftus-Cheek?
The experiments have been numerous, but the Englishman does not seem suited to the Portuguese manager’s system.
Why not give Mattia Liberali a chance?
The young Rossoneri talent performed excellently during the summer under Fonseca, playing as an attacking midfielder and linking the play. True, those were only friendlies, but the signs were promising. Considering Loftus-Cheek isn’t working, giving Liberali a try wouldn’t hurt anyone. After all, Fonseca is not afraid to put faith in young players.
Source: PianetaMilan
