AC Milan have important absences today. Despite the inclusion of Junior Messias in the squad list for the first time since his arrival to the club, Stefano Pioli has other unavailable names such as Ibrahimovic, Bakayoko, and Olivier Giroud who is still suffering from back pain.
In the called-up squad list, AC Milan boss, Stefano Pioli had to look into the Primavera team and call one of the most promising prospects into the First Team: Youns Gabriele El Hilali (brother of Mattia el Hilali who was also at AC Milan Primavera as a midfielder and currently a free agent at the age of 23).
El Hilali is born in June 8, 2003, he is 18 years old and is of Moroccan origins and a holder of an Italian nationality. The talented player is a right-footed second striker and attacking midfielder.
In the last season, the talented youngster appeared in 24 matches for the Primavera team. He scored 7 goals and assisted 5 others. The player has been on a steady path of progress and he will surely continue to work hard towards a bright future at Milanello.
El Hilali scored many goals with Milan Primavera teams due to his eye for goal and positioning. He often plays as an attacking midfielder but has no problem going further into the box and acting as a supporting striker or a sole centre-forward. The player moves tirelessly between the defenders and in the penalty box. He is always looking for a pass from his teammates when he does not have the ball.
This season, he is one of the most interesting prospects. He is shining with the Rossoneri with a conrete chance of seeing him regularly soon with the youth national teams.
El Hilali can act as a striker and can play as a playmaker as we have told you already. He is versatile with great movements which is perhaps what made Stefano Pioli send him an invitation to be with the big boys. He may not participate in the match versus Atalanta. But, it is for sure a good step of progress for him and a sign of recognition from Stefano Pioli. He did not choose him among the squad list by chance or mistake.
Stefano Bellinzaghi, a former coach in the youth ranks of AC Milan, spoke about El Hilali and said the following last year (as cited by Milannews.it)
"Gabriele's is a pure talent, still expressed in a discontinuous way. Stabilizing emotionally, a delicate step for every boy at this stage, he has everything to make the leap even at high levels."
Therefore, Youns Gabirele El Hilali, standing at 178 cm tall, is a great talent waiting to be unleashed and taken care of within the right environment. An attacking midfielder with a good vision for decisive passes and intelligent positioning in the box to score goals. Tonight is a milestone for him and recognition of his talent. But, a long path awaits him if he wants to make it into the first team.
