For
many Milan fans, first priority in the mercato in January is to reinforce our
defense. Which is an obvious reaction to our poor record so far this season.
But it might not be the most necessary place to reinforce. Is it possible,
after all, that our defense has been hindered by factors beyond their control?
Or that maybe our expectations are higher based on past performances?
Personally, I am not sure that our defense is our weakest spot. And I think
that if given the opportunity to show what they are truly capable of, we might
have a much better back line than our stats show.
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| Yepes and De Sciglio react to being included in the starting lineup again |
The first defense of our back line should be obvious. We were never going to replace two of the best center backs in the world. And anyone that we did try to replace them with would always look inferior. Not only were they individually talented, they played together for three years, they knew how to work together and knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They even knew how to cover for backup defenders like Bonera, in times of injuries or suspension. They had talent and time on their side. But they are now gone. Anyone trying to fill their shoes was going to look amateur, and even adding new talent would not solve that problem quickly, because talent without time is simply not enough.
Veterans
Yepes Mexes, and Bonera had only ever been backups. Given their time to shine,
they had time on their side, they had worked together, even if mostly in
training. But still, they were never going to be at the level of Thiago Silva
and Nesta. If they had, then they would have been starters. So Milan brought in
the young Acerbi, whose experience had been mostly in Serie B. Again, he was
never going to replace our former stars. And finally, they added Zapata. Zapata
was more experienced but had been played more as a fullback during his time in
La Liga, which was not his strongest position. Simply looking at our options on
paper, there wasn’t anyone to step up and take the place of our star center
backs.
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| While we all miss them, this is Budget Milan™. They won't be replaced |
But
even if we could have afforded some of the other world class center backs, they
would still need time to play together. Even the best defenders in the world
need that. Not just as a pairing, but also as an entire back line, complete
with keeper. So imagine the delay in the development of our defense when
Allegri changed one or more players in our back line for at least 15
matches straight. How could any backline find any kind of form when they
were playing with strangers every match? If there had been any talent left, it
was significantly hampered by Allegri not giving anyone a chance to work
together and develop any kind of consistency. And that’s not to mention the 3
man backline trials, either. He was also inconsistent in his formations. Of the
26 goals we have conceded in the league this season, 15 of them came in our
first 11 matches, several matches before Allegri began lining up more
consistently. Even the best center backs in the world would struggle in these
conditions.
And
still, they have all managed to improve. Yepes, up until the Roma match, has
been our most solid center back, which Allegri has finally recognized. Only,
much like Mexes, he is prone to bad games here and there – really bad games sometimes. Even Bonera, who was only ever prone
to the occasional good game, prior to
his injury was also actually quite solid. Having put in some of his best
performances ever against Barcelona last year, this year he increased his
repertoire and showed that he was anxious to at least help fill the defensive
void left this summer. Acerbi, while often accused as slow and flat-footed, has
very quickly shown improvement and has potential that is worth waiting for.
Zapata had a couple of questionable appearances, but has shown that with the
right partner and understanding, his speed and tackling abilities are also most
valuable. Do we have a world class defense? No. But we don’t have a world class
team, either.
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| Acerbi is a good defender now, can be great if given time |
Consider
the midfield. While we’ve averaged 58% possessions in our matches, many goals
conceded have been a direct result of individual error, many of them made in
the midfield. I would venture to guess that we miss van Bommel as much or more
as we do as our center backs. Ambrosini and De Jong have fantastic passing
accuracy, and do okay with the tackling, but Ambrosini is oft injured and
showing his age, while De Jong took time to settle in and then was injured for
the season. The rest of our midfield are also still learning the 4-3-3, and
also not benefiting from Allegri’s constant shuffling of lineups. Personally, I
would look to the midfield first as the spot that needs reinforcements. And
perhaps a lineup that suits them better, like the 4-2-3-1, which is our best
and strongest lineup for the long run, in my humble opinion.
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| He defends, he's fast, he can pass and cross... BOSS. |
Meanwhile,
in the midst of all of the chaos, we managed to find our fullbacks, even if it
was mostly by accident. De Sciglio has proven himself to be twice the player
Abate is, and last year, we considered Abate to be a starter on a much better
team. Constant has surprised everyone by being the left back of our dreams when
we least expected it. His speed and power and passing abilities are quickly
erasing all of those times Antonini and others featured in that position. While
we are strong at right back with Abate to reinforce, we do still suffer on the
left, with the same poor options should Constant not be available. But with
Mesbah and Didac Vila rumored to leave, there is a possibility or reinforcing that
position properly at some point.
The
final piece of the equation is our keeper. Whatever drama has given Amelia the
starting spot ahead of Abbiati, perhaps conceding four goals to Roma with the
former in the nets, as well as a long hard look at the stat sheets over the
break will help resolve this issue and Abbiati will regain the starting
position. This is crucial, as Abbiati is by far our best keeper, despite
injuries and the occasional “what was he thinking” goals. Having played a
fraction of the matches. Amelia’s goal conceded rate per minute played is more than twice that of
Abbiati’s. And a consistent keeper will also improve the communication between
the center backs and increase the effectiveness of the entire defense.
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| The key to a great defense is a great keeper. |
Let’s
stop fooling ourselves, we no longer have the world class defense that Milan is
renowned for. We cannot afford it, and will not be able to for a long time. But
look at Juve. They have the best defensive record in the league. Yet none of
their back three would make anyone’s top 10 defender list that I know of. They
have even said it themselves. Yet anything they lack in talent they have in
time – working together, playing together consistently, and having an
exceptional midfield in front of them with world class players, as well as a
world class keeper. Together, they are virtually unbeatable. While Abbiati and
his injuries have always played second fiddle to Buffon, remember it was he who
stepped in for Buffon at one point, and held his own. Therefore, I give you
that we should look to improve the midfield first before we fret the defense.
Give them time, they may just surprise us. The entire team will take some
patience, as has been said by so many. But with consistency of playing
together, our defense is not as bad as some think. Nor is our team. With the
faith of everyone and the support of the fans, they just may surprise everyone.
Even on defense.
This post inspired by the music of the Lord of the
Rings Soundtracks