After his loan spell at Roma, Alexis Saelemaekers has returned to Milan — but this time, to stay. His experience in the capital has shaped the Belgian winger, who is now ready to carve out a key role for himself, or rather, become a utility player in Max Allegri’s new Milan project.
Saelemaekers, versatility in service of Milan
Saelemaekers returned to Milanello this summer with a new sense of self-awareness, not just in his own abilities. From the very first day of training camp, the 1999-born player realized he was no longer just a stopgap solution, but rather someone capable of offering valuable tactical options across multiple areas of the pitch. And it’s precisely this versatility that convinced Max Allegri, who has always made balance and flexibility the cornerstones of his football.
At the moment, Saelemaekers is one of the few players in the squad who perfectly embodies these qualities. The Belgian can play as a winger, as a wing-back in a five-man midfield, even as a central midfielder in specific situations, or as a full-back. In short, he is the perfect prototype of an “Allegri-style” player: tactically intelligent, generous in the defensive phase, and disciplined in carrying out instructions. Unsurprisingly, he’s been one of the standout performers in Milan’s early pre-season matches.
With the transfer window still open and several uncertainties to address especially in wide positions, Saelemaekers’ stay takes on added significance, both technically and financially. Having a reliable and already-ready player in the squad is a crucial asset, especially for a team like Milan that needs solid foundations to build upon.
Source: Milan News
