It was a tale of 2 halves. Milan played great in the first half, leading 2-0 at the break. The first group limped along after the half in the heat and Madrid ended up winning 3-2. Not a great score line but an entertaining preseason game where I think we learned a lot.
Player Observations
Goal Keeping
Sportiello – Excellent first half, not only in making some really tough saves but also in communicating. He’s already an improvement on Tatarusanu. Distribution is meh but no one is gonna be like Maignan. Struggled in the second half including a terrible howler. Get it out of the way in the preseason Marco.
Maignan – Looked his usual self. Hung out to dry on a break away by Vini but that was far more on the defense than him. Good to see him looking ready to go.
Defense
Calabria – Already looks in shape and in form. Got high to connect with the attack while not giving up much behind.
Simic – I swear we have had 10 guys named Simic over the years, always on the fringes of the team. This Jan Carlo looks like the best one yet. Played really well including clearing a couple of real danger balls in the box. Get this kid some work and let’s see where he goes. A real positive.
Tomori – Great header on the corner from Pulisic. Perfect. Other than that you might have thought Simic was the vet and Tomori the newbie. His want to wander is always a danger for his partner. Must transition better.
Florenzi – Not much to deal with. Fine as a reserve at both RB and LB though.
Saelemaekers – Gave up a goal to the best LW on the planet. Sorry Alex but you just can’t lose track of that guy. Also made some plays to stop him. People only remember goals though.
Kjaer – Left alone with Vini with zero cover from Salad. Not gonna bust his balls for that.
Thiaw – He was fine.
Theo – Same. All the action was on the opposite side of the field. Nice hairdo.
Midfield
RLC – Can totally see him as one of the workhorses in the midfield. Made some nice plays. Took some hard fouls. Size is impressive. Very much like Kessie in all his attributes. Something we sorely missed last season.
Pobega – Having him and Krunic in there was kind of redundant. Really had a hard time trying to play higher AND deal with the speed of Real Madrid.
Krunic – Had a lot to do with an overwhelmed Pobega next to him and a wandering Tomori behind him. Still held up well. Always calm no matter who the opponent. Never looks to panic. No beef with him as the 4th or 5th midfielder.
Reijnders – Thought he came on and immediately looked in control. Confident, clean passes. Can easily see him in a variety of midfield roles.
Adli – When he came on we seemed to switch to 4231 with him as one of the holders. That really is his spot. He has great passing range and, while not fast, gets around the field really well. He really needs to either get a run with us or go on loan. There is definitely something there. With the right partner I could see some really good things from him.
CDK – Fucking hell. I REALLY wanna be positive but he just looks so lost. It’s like we took some kid out of the stands for a make a wish video or something. It’s that bad. Even with a tremendous howler from Sportiello he is still the FLOP OF THE MATCH.
Forwards
Pulisic – Solid performance all the way around. Good passing. Good hold up play. A couple nice runs on to through balls. It all looks great til you realize we already employ the second best LW on the planet. Really wanna see him in whatever role he will play during the season. Talk to me Pioli.
Colombo – One of the most impressive players on the field for us. He was a handful for the Real Madrid back line often times needing a double team while still holding up the ball well. Size and strength is evident. No real opportunities to finish but did well to help others. With all of our signings another loan would make sense. Perhaps to a bigger club where he can get more service.
Messias – Sucked then went out injured. Like everyone else all I was thinking was PLEASE stay healthy enough to be sold. PLEASE!
Romero – Despite a couple other solid performances he’s my Man of the Match. Came on for the injured Messias and instant made in impact. He runs, he aggravates, he draws fouls and he even scores. Ran all night and was still out there mixing it up in the dying minutes on a HOT night. I know we are bringing in lots of options up top. I just hope he stays in the running and gets a chance to pitch in.
Giroud – He’s so class. Had a free kick that nearly curled in from 30 yards away. Also had a header that forced a finger tip save. Timeless.
Leão – For 20 minutes we got to see him and Vini Jr go blow for blow. That sure was fun. Put in a gorgeous cross that Giroud headed and forced a diving save on. Had another burst to the end line that set up another clear chance. made me think how much fun it would be to see Madrid in the group stage of the champions league. Easily to of the most exciting players on the planet right now.
Final Thoughts
All in all really good stuff. No complaints.
FORZA MILAN!
Lisi
PS: Okafor is done. Looks like Chukwueze will be done in the next 48 hours. That means the incoming group will most likely be set before August 1st. Also looks like places are being lined up for outgoing players. This FEELS like the best window we have had in years. Time will tell!
