Ruben Amorim is reshaping the flanks. He will build his Milan around a 3-4-2-1 system, and to do so he needs the right players in the wide midfield positions. While some indications have already emerged from both him and the first days of training, others still need to be confirmed.
Saelemaekers and Chukwueze… a change of role?
On one side there is a theoretical indication, while on the other there is a practical one. Alexis Saelemaekers will only join the squad in the first days of August after his post-World Cup break, but the new manager has already revealed verbally what his position could be.
It will definitely be interesting to see how the Rossoneri team will be playing under Amorim’s guidance with these new tactical tweaks. For readers tracking betting in Ethiopia, AC Milan matches could offer an intriguing perspective as the team adapts to its new system and style of play. In fact, rolsbet registration could be the initial step for the AC Milan fans to take advantage of any momentum gained by Amorim’s team in the season and gain some interesting rewards.
He will no longer operate as a right winger, but instead as a left-sided player. The aim? To make the player feel more comfortable (he himself identified that area as his preferred position) and to provide fewer fixed reference points for opponents, while creating more opportunities to move inside the pitch with his stronger foot on the outside.
Samuel Chukwueze is also being used on his opposite flank, but from the right. The Nigerian has always been accustomed to cutting inside from the right wing, but he has never previously been used in the way Amorim is experimenting with him this week. By dropping his position deeper, he will have greater defensive responsibilities, but he will also provide an even more attacking and dangerous option in the final third, using his left foot to exploit runs made by his teammates.
Athekame and Bartesaghi remain confirmed. And Guerreiro...
The only player who is truly certain to occupy the same position as last season is Zachary Athekame. The Swiss defender will compete for the right-sided role, unless new signings arrive, and he could even begin the season as the first-choice option. His improvement towards the end of the campaign justified the investment made last summer (around €10 million), and the 2004-born player is now being asked to confirm the positive signs he showed in recent months.
Davide Bartesaghi is another certainty within the squad, although his starting position is under threat. At the same time, he could benefit from the possibility of playing in two different roles. It is no secret that Amorim could also use him as the left-sided centre-back in a back three, providing an alternative to Strahinja Pavlovic. He will play, and he will play often, but his exact role could depend on the team’s needs.
And then? With Pervis Estupiñán expected to leave and Bartesaghi taking on a “hybrid” role, Milan could decide to return to the transfer market and turn the rumours surrounding Raphael Guerreiro into reality, with the player potentially available on a free transfer after three years at Bayern Munich.
The Portuguese left-footer would bring experience and versatility, as he can play both as a left-sided wing-back and as a midfielder, while also being capable of operating in the attacking midfield role. A genuine utility player who would complete a wide-area department that is still searching for clear and defined starters, but which already appears well equipped when it comes to having different solutions.
