ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - AC MILAN - A Noteworthy Lack of Depth

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 12/17/2009

The past few games have been a glimpse into the Achilles heel of Milan throughout the season. The lack of depth will eventually haunt us if the issue is not resolved during the January transfer window.

Adriano Galliani has repeatedly stated the past month that his squad is not on the market, and that fans shouldn't expect any new signing. Right, just like the comment he made that Kaka wasn't leaving (which was seen in the media two weeks before we saw Kaka unveiled at the Bernabeu.) At this point I am skeptical to any remark made by Galliani.

Recent reports from ESPN are now linking both teams from Milano with Lazio striker Goran Pandev. This would be an ideal move for the Rossoneri considering that one injury up front would result in the foundation of our recent success to come crashing back down to a cruel reality: Abate or Di Gennaro starting in an important Champions League fixture because either Pato or Ronaldinho went down with an injury.

While Abate is a talented player who will undoubtedly continue growing as he matures, he is not the type of player that a team aspiring for a Champions League title should be fielding in the starting eleven. Then again we won the Champions League a few years ago with Oddo (back when he had a pulse) and the much maligned Jankulovski playing a prominent role, so anything is possible.

Random Notes:

- Gennaro Gattuso signed a new three year deal with Milan. It is unclear what the exact motives of this signing were. A reason might be because he's one of the senatori (a term for the veteran Milan players who are the heart of the team and leaders in the locker room.) I don't see how we can incorporate the growling dog in the lineup anymore, especially considering the stellar form Ambrosini has shown this season, and his younger midfield backup Flamini is a better option than Gattuso at this point.

- There is talk that Goran Pandev could be making his way to Milan in January, but not to Inter. Pandev would be the ideal solution for the lack of depth upfront. Our main problem is not having a quality substitute for Ronaldinho or Pato. Their position is a hybrid winger/second striker role, that requires the attacker to have skill while attacking down the flanks and also occasionally drifting to the middle as a support player for the target man.

- Ronaldinho is fundamental to our success. Anyone who says Ronaldinho's career is over either has not watched Milan this year, or does not understand fully understand Soccer as a sport. It feels as if every goal is created by him. Ronnie's vision on the field never ceases to amaze me, and his surging pinpoint passes have created nearly every dangerous opportunity to score.

- After his drug suspension it seemed like the career of Marco Borriello was over, and that he'd turn into one of the many promises of Italian soccer who could not live up to their lofty expectations. Then a surprise season for Genoa gave us glimpses of what he's capable of given the chance (19 goals in one season, many of them spectacular finishes). He has now finally grown into the attacker we've been wanting to see. We don't need Edin Dzeko. We don't need anyone else because Borriello (barring his injury woes) can become a world class striker, and don't be surprised to see him in South Africa next year.

- My thoughts and feelings go out to Milan owner and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who only a few days ago was hit in the face with a projectile weapon which turned out to be a metallic replica of il duomo. If it struck him only a few centimeters higher, it could have blinded him. Other than a fractured nose and a few chipped teeth, he is recovering at a hospital in Milan and thankfully doing fine.

Update

- Milan has just been pitted against Manchester United in the Champions League draw. Now if history repeats itself from a few years ago, the Rossoneri will breeze through once again. Only difference is this is a Milan without the Kaka who was in Ballon d'Or form, and every notable player from that winning season has grown a few white hairs. Unfortunate that our players don't age like a fine vintage wine, just ask Gattuso. Then again, Manchester United is without Cristiano Ronaldo and his factory supply of hair gel. I have seen a few of their games this season, and Michael Owen is their new acquisition that scares me the most. A player who can spring the offside trap as good as anyone, and a clinical finisher in front of net. Unlikely that he will play however since the brooding Berbatov seems to their primary choice to spearhead the attack.

If there's any Manchester United fans reading the blog I'd like to hear your opinion as well on the fixture.

Please read my other columns and comment with your feedback!

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Comments

Posted by butch on 12/17/2009

Dzeko should remain a viable option. Milan must get a proven striker who can do what Pato can do. Dzeko is proven. He has had great success with Wolfsberg, so why should he not have the same success at milan. Clearly milan must pay the long dollar and acquire someone who can actual replace our lead forwards.

Posted by shegs on 12/18/2009

i just hpe ur right about galliani. we need 2 decent fullbacks too. Gareth Bale is a good option: young, skillful, attack-minded,wicked crosser and (unfortunately!) most importantly cheap. he rarely ever plays at spurs, but i'd rather have him at LB,than Oddo/ Abate at RB.

Posted by mac on 12/18/2009

Love the blog. I had a quick question regarding Abbiati. I read that he was returning to training a couple months ago, but that was the last I've heard. I'm pleased with Dida and Storari's performances, but would like to see Abbiati return. Do you know what his status is? Thanks -

Posted by Brunetto on 12/18/2009

Love the blog just write more!!! the lack of depth is noticable expecialy after last weeks loss to palermo. I really hope this transfer window we do use some of that Kaka' money and add some quality(younger preferably) Dzeko would be amazing also a soild defender for the LB spot, I used to enjoy watching oddo drop in those wonderful crosses but now its just torture watching him attempt one. Abate has a great future ahead of him and i hope it is with milan.
As for the Champions league draw I am very intrigued as to how this goes down. I remeber 07 and that was just utter joy watching kaka take out 3 defenders and then just calmly smack that ball past van der sar but this is gonna be 2010 and anything can happen! I hope becks lights it up for us and i hope Ronnie really finds his form again and with that we will win. FORZA MILAN!!!

Posted by Milan 1963 on 12/19/2009

I am not too sure if it is lack of depth or if it is Leo dislike for turnover. I saw the game against Palermo and it seems they were Barcelona and we were Palermo. The team seemed tired uninspired and too stretched over the field. Flamini should have started for Pirlo or Seedorf even though they don't have the same characteristics, but he would have brought more dynamism in midfield where only Ambro was running. Abate is not a striker and Pato was very poor when he came in. Even though I agree with you on your assessment of Boriello, I think he should have been replaced by Huntelaar as he seemed really tired. The only place we are poor is in defence but for midfield and forwards we have enough options and Leo must bring changes otherwise some players will be burned. Dinho was fantastic though crossing and looking for long openings with such class that it was really a pity not taking these chances.

Posted by Milan 1963 on 12/19/2009

Now for the game vs ManU, I hope it will be like the previous encounters where we beat them and ended up twice in the final. I think Milan can do it, but I hope that Galliani will really look at reinforcing the squad. Pandev could be a good signing, but we really need a couple of defenders. I have seen ManU playing a few games this season and they are not that good anymore. If Ferguson makes the mistake to play Rooney as a lone striker, than I really fancy our chances. Their defense is not reliable anymore and they have problem scoring goals, but they will probably put it on the energy level. This is were we will have to impose our game to them like we did in Madrid. Anyway Forza Milan sempre.

Posted by MCFC on 12/22/2009

HOPE YOU BEAT UNITED & BECKHAM SCORES THE WINNER AT OLD TRAFFORD.

Ha Ha we've got MULTA MILLIONS and MANCINI

FELICIDADES

BLUE MOON RISING 2010

Posted by Frankie on 12/22/2009

I think Mamoudu Niang is a better replacement than Pandev..Considering the qualities both have Niang is far ahead..He has all the technical skills as Pato and even more strenght...He has speed and good vision too...I think what Milan need is to make the right subs sometimes..We rely too much on the old dogs whiles the other ones are rotting on the bench..I think we shuld play The Hunter more frequent than Philipo..Now the real problems lies on the back line..Nesta is good,Silva is better,but Zambrotta and Oddo are dead..We shuld get 2 full backs...Or play Abate and buy Drenthe from Madrid..Then the CL is ours..Forza Milan..

Posted by Nnamdi David on 12/22/2009

A United fan who is looking forward the mouth-watering Champions League fixture!! I think in the space of 3 years(i think) since we last played AC Milan, United's strength has increased whilst AC Milan's team haven't in the same amount, they have one team and one team only...with aged players and a Nesta who once invincible is looking very "Cech-ish". I think it'll be United who pass this round AC Milan, need a Centre Back, and a Second Team Spine...i.e a young goalie, centre back, attacking midfielder and a striker. I love AC Milan their history and family culture fascinates me, however in this modern day it is hindering their progress ever so slightly.

Posted by Anthony Ali on 12/23/2009

I think that Milan should have no trouble getting past Manchester. Also, once Gooch comes back from injury, I think Leo should give him a shot. He's a solid rock in the back for the USA. I also happen to think that a good signing for Milan would be anybody thats young and talented enough to replace Inzaghi and Gattuso (I.E. Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko and even Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller) The way these youngsters play against world class opposition is unbelievable, considering how well Muller played against Juve, and more importantly Dzeko against Manchester.

Posted by Ealham on 12/23/2009

Huntelaar should play more game to improve as he can
give Milan a lot . If Milan can keep Pato he will be
a player who can contribute a lot for Milan . Milan can buy Dzeco if they get the chance . It will be wise . But more than that Milan need a experinced defender and also a young wing like Pato .

Posted by Anonymous on 12/23/2009

Agreed Dzeko would probably be the best thing for milan right now.But they should also consider getting some youth in there midfield

Posted by Sensacion 7 on 12/24/2009

I Beleive That Ac Milan Have To Buy Gareth Bale or Rafinha To play RB... We Need Flamini's Youth In Mid field also seeing That Pirlo & Ambro Look Tired @ Times. Also, Adijah Is Coming So That Is A God Move But, We Must Start To Show Huntelaar Some Playing Time. He Is A Great Young Striker Who Needs To See The Pitch. Forza Milan ! ! !

p.s What About Rodney Strasser In Mid Field?

Posted by 1899milan on 12/24/2009

Agreed we have lack of depth. As it stands one injury to our starting eleven and we are in trouble. However, I am not sold on Borriello just yet. Dzeko should be a priority. Along with a midfielder or 2 (Krasic, Hernanes) and of course outside backs (Rafhina, Bale) We also need depth in central defense. Kajer (of Palermo) would be ideal. We must slowly start replacing aging players (Seedorf, Inzaghi, Pirlo, Nesta, Gattuso,etc...) with youth (Krasic, Dzeko, Rafhina, Bale, Kajer) and transition the veterans to the bench to maximize their performance and pro-long their careers.

Posted by D on 12/25/2009

Why isn't Milan mentioned with discussions about the 2 young Bari center backs? It would seem they'd be a perfect fit - fill the void for back up in the short term and provide a long term central defense solution. Think Milan needs to get back to building from the back 4. With Pato and Boriello the goals will come. Shore up the D.

Posted by Matteo Bonetti on 12/25/2009

Milan isn't mentioned in discussions with Andrea Ranocchia, or any other center back for one reason. We have more problems at other positions. Namely, the fullback slots, the second striker/winger positions that Leonardo employs in his 4-3-3 formation.

Our center backs include two great starters. Alessandro Nesta has been in top form this season, Thiago Silva has been a revelation. We have two young, talented cb's who are injured that should be the backups. Daniele Bonera was an Italy International, but has been hampered by injuries all year. Although I'm not sold on Onyewu, (he looked very shaky in his cameo serie A appearance) he did have a very impressive confederations cup performance against top opposition. Then there's Kaladze.. Who.. well.. Is Kaladze. What you see is what you get.

Posted by Rudo on 12/25/2009

I feel we need about 6 young, technically sound, quick and hungry players. 1 central defender, 1 l and r back, 2 central mids, and a support striker. But the immediate problem for me is central def. and central mid. pirlo and ambro are sometimes found lacking when we have to defend against a quick strong midfield (marsielle), and whenever t. silva or nesta goes down, the available replacement is not quality enough. there was talk of hernanes sao paolo midfielder. who seems like he can be a good replacement for pirlo. anyway i love this team to death and cant wait for the games against united.if the right decisions are made and luck is also in our favour, i believe we can win the c league once again. Forza Milan!!

Posted by azzurri on 12/28/2009

I DONT THINK Milan need cover in attack. and I think Filippo Inzaghi is better than Huntelaar, despite his age, and was a better replacement in the Palermo game. HE WAS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE PITCH WHEN HE CAME IN.

Posted by Domino on 12/28/2009

Yea, I think everyone agreed that on the Milan defense, new fullbacks are integral and a first-class cover for thiaquinho & nesta is needed (even an aging kaladze can't go on forever). Tho, I must prompt to note that perhaps a world class GK (I'm a big fan of Buffon) for Milan would do wonders; one who could organize the line and keep the goals away acrobatically.

Midfield generals are always needed. We did have Kaka, whose 'blitz' could turn a match-winner in a flash, and I wouldn't discredit Dinho one bit for that, he's a fineee player (for the season he's been most pleasing). But on the support side, Pirlo, Gattuso and Ambrosini are just getting older and older. Talents like Hamsik (Napoli) or Veloso (Sporting CP) should be scouted for.

And finally, forwards are always needed to score goals. Pato is wondrous, but Boriello and Huntelaar are still not Shevas. At least I'd want to take a look at players like Aguero (Atl.Madrid) or Pandev who's gg for free, or even Paloschi

Posted by sax on 12/28/2009

It is frustrating to a milan fan that the powers that be in milan - Belusconi and Galiani have politically played around the problems that have plagued milan since 2007. A legendary elite team that inspired awe in the 90s has become a team of mediocres with no notable subs,no halfbacks and an ageing mildfield. To be more direct,players like;Oddo, Jankulovski,khaladze, Favalli,Dida,Antonini shoudnt be having contract with milan by now.

Posted by Rashid on 12/29/2009

I agree strongly that we need 2 good right and left backs.zambrotta n oddo look rusty and are always struggling on the pitch.i believe if huntellar and flamini are given more playing time,milan would definately be the team we've all loved with our hearts.

Posted by D on 12/29/2009

Matteo:
Appreciate the feedback. Agree there are bigger holes. The fullback positions to me are the biggest holes. Abate, while a great young talent, isn't the answer at D. Zambrotta is great, but he's not the Zambrotta of old game in and game out.
I like Bonera better at RB, and Silva while a revelation, has looked lost at times. Kaladze and Favalli need to hang em up at this point.

Nesta has been my favorite player for years - he makes playing defense a thing of beauty, but I worry about his back these days. There's a reason he's not committing to Italy this summer.

What is the latest with Onyewu? I've been hard pressed to find information on his rehab and when he is expected to be available.

The idea of Ranocchia and Bonucci (who can play RB), both in their early 20's starting the foundation for the future defense is too appealing.

I read a lot last summer from management about building for the future, and I think signings like Adiyiah reflect this mentality.

Posted by emeka osisi on 12/29/2009

First of all i would like to mount praise on d best footballing team in italy.Ronnie,AP7,Pirlo,Nesta,Thiago are having a great time this gives me joy,but my problem with the club lies with some tired men lacking that hunger u get frm young blood.Galliani has made some atrocious statements as well as actions like his statements concerning transfers(99.9%)e.g offering 12million for the brazillian number9,refusing cisokho for bad teeth(ibra was bought for 70 with a broken arm)saying jankulovski32,oddo33,favalli37,zambrotta32 were all we needed for 12 months of league,uefa and domestic cup action when juve roma and inter use full backs bellow the age of 30 in there starting lineup.Gianlucca and abate against the likes of messi ronaldo kaka iniesta arshavin just doesnt make sense,man.u will be given there occasional red pills but what happens after that we need re enforcements.

Posted by lims on 12/30/2009

milan definately need dzeko quality, so i hope milan would buy dzeko on summer.

Posted by la on 12/31/2009

If we are going to make run at Inter we need to have a lot more quality subs to help us get through weeks when we play a mid week game. We must find a solid scorer during this transfer period who can give us a real spark. D. Beckham will help and give leonardo credit for righting the ship in the early part of the season. We must spend to be successful!

Posted by Ari on 01/04/2010

Great blog keep up the stellar work Matteo!

Posted by sheku tarawally on 01/05/2010

i love milan to death,but i do think we need reinforcements to stand a good chance against formidable oppositions.famini is an able replacement,and hunterlaar should be given more playing time.if he's not playing how is he going to improve his game.arsenal have faith in its young players so should milan.seedoff,ambrosini,oddo should have quality back-ups and we need young goolie as well.kamini,dzeko,fabiano and central defender.

Posted by AlJoe on 01/05/2010

The return of Beckham is a fantastic addition but the squad still feels too over reliant on certain players and lacking much options. No doubt, transfer funds may not be available and shopping in January is always difficult but Galliani needs to play smart and get some decent players on loan. Or else, we may not last the race in Serie A or Champs League. Forza Milan!!

Posted by emeka on 01/05/2010

Hernanes i have actually seen on television is a great prospect and also Benega is really hot right now and can become an andrea pirlo but with speed.Neymer is also a great prospect for the attack and also garethbale and rafinha would fit right in those fullback positions but judging with the climate at liverpool i think fabio aurelio is going to be a dream signing for left back.

Posted by Adam Alkali on 01/05/2010

Milan has been silently off balance with the lost of kaka, andriy sheva, etc. milan has not remedied their slots, and of course has not been consistent.Although we have little to adjust middle or forward. much concern should be made in the defence which seems weak and rusted. As for the tie with Man U, the same story will be obtained as it was in 07. Great milan Hurray..

Posted by Rashid on 01/12/2010

First of all,i would like 2 congratulate the boys 4 making me as well as lovers of the club very proud nd elated.keep it up boys!i believe with this performance,the scudeto and champions league will not elude us.congratulations again boys,especially to my idol,Ronaldinho

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