Last year, Stefano Pioli's decision to deploy Ismael Bennacer as a playmaker against Napoli was decisive. But tonight, he won't be the high point of AC Milan's midfield. The Milan coach himself announced it yesterday afternoon during the pre-match press conference at Milanello: "I don't think it can be an idea from the start. Bennacer will play, but not in that position. Loftus-Cheek is our offensive midfielder. I don't like fixed positions but he will start deeper. Isma is versatile, he needs to give everything he has in both phases of the game."
As reported this morning by Tuttosport, Bennacer will return to the starting lineup tonight and will be fielded alongside Yacine Adli in the Rossoneri's midfield duo. The former Empoli player will likely operate on the center-right and will have a very important task, namely to limit the balls fed to Kvicha Kvaratshkelia who will operate in that area. Pioli has always constructed a cage around the Georgian with Calabria and a supporting/doubling midfielder.
The choice fell on Bennacer and not on Adli because the Algerian has a faster pace compared to the Frenchman, much more intense, as relayed by Milan News.
Tonight, Ismael Bennacer's task will be to provide quality and intensity in the defensive phase but also when contributing to the attacking one as well. In short, a super version of the Algerian midfielder will be needed in the middle of the field.
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