The fairy tale for this little girl was one of many knights
of valor, winning trophy after trophy. But knights get old, and they have to
move on. Sometimes, all at once. It was hard to imagine that anyone could fill
the shoes of our Senatori, in talent
or class. But one brave knight has captured my heart and filled me with hope
that the knights of old will live on in him. Of course, I speak of Mattia De
Sciglio. At just 20 years old, he displays the talent of a champion, the wisdom
of a leader, and the heart of a lion.
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| A Knight in Shining Armor |
Being Milano born and bred, then growing up in Milan’s youth
teams, it would seem only fitting that he would go straight to the first team.
But no other player had done this without first going out on loan for a spell
since… Paolo Maldini. Whether that speaks more of De Sciglio or less of Milan’s
youth system in those years in between, it is hard to say. But one thing is for
certain, while many make the early and presumptuous comparison to the legendary
Maldini, I don’t know anyone who doubts that De Sciglio belongs in the first
team.
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| Worth all of the hype |
De
Sciglio’s ability to play on either the right or the left, or even at center
back or midfield in a pinch gives him a big advantage. But unlike other players
who possess such abilities, he seems to improve no matter where he plays. This
week, Galliani said, “"De Sciglio is a player
that can use both feet, just like Paolo Maldini. In my opinion, he plays better
on the left." Of course, in the same interview, Galliani reminded me of
shades of Allegri and Pato by saying “If De Sciglio manages to bulk up a bit
and get some muscles, then he will be like Paolo Maldini." I say let’s let
the kid grow and stop making him be someone else, because he’s plenty of
awesome the way he is. The funny thing is that De Sciglio reportedly had a
trial at Inter when he was ten, and they rejected him because he was too
scrawny. Just like the more talented Baresi brother before him. It’s clear
Inter have a way of thinking that size matters, but that’s okay, more talent
for us.
Former Milan player Alberigo Evani is a former coach of De
Sciglio, and he had some very glowing things to say about the youngster last
year, not the least of which was “He is already mature and has a great ability
to learn and work very hard. I predict a great future for him.” And already,
his future seems pretty great. I try not to get too excited about promising
young players because many are stars that shine brightly and fade too soon. But
if I could predict De Sciglio’s future, I would bet on it being a long and
bright one.
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| Kakà acts as if he's seen a ghost, but it's not the past, it's the present |
He made his debut with the first team in a Champions League
match as a sub just before his 19th birthday. By that time, he had also been
part of the U20 team that won the Coppa Italia Primavera, only the 2nd time
Milan’s youth had won this title. And now he was playing alongside Nesta and
Silva. In the Champions League. Even if for only a few minutes. And the rest is
history. Only a year later, he was a starter, wearing the no. 2 jersey that, as
he noted, important players such as Tassotti and Cafu have worn before him. He
is a player that Allegri has been able to rely on, and one of the most exciting
players to watch on this refurbished Milan team, too.
It wasn’t only Milan’s first team, though. He made
appearances for Italy’s national teams at the U-19, U-20, and U-21 levels. He
was also called up to Italy’s senior side last August, even if he wasn’t
capped. However, he has been called up again for this International break, and
with his current form and Italy’s shortage of talented fullbacks, he could
debut for the National Team as early as this week.
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| From U21 to the senior team, all by 19 years old |
After Maldini and Nesta left, I feared I might never use the
word “elegant” to describe a Milan defender again. Yet here I am, finding no
other word to better describe the young fullback’s fluid style and graceful
tackles. He is incredibly strong, surprisingly so, if you base it on
appearance, and amazingly cool and calm under pressure. His crosses are
exquisite to watch, and he seems to be able to adapt to whomever he is playing
with, which is good, considering so many lineup changes this season.
But the thing that amazes me the most is the poise and
maturity he possesses both on and off the pitch. After a big win, he is the
first to remind everyone to stay grounded and focus on the next task at hand.
Whether he is facing another young, inexperienced player, or a great,
experienced champion, it makes no difference. He takes everything in stride,
always works hard, and always has a smile. Appears on La Domenica Sportiva with Galliani? No big deal. Meeting with fans
at a Milan store? No big deal.
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| Asamoah thought De Sciglio was some punk kid, but he got schooled hard |
Recently Costacurta, who played with Maldini, suggested that
De Sciglio might even be better than the Legend. All of this speculation and
comparison is just talk. But De Sciglio is the real deal. Like a knight in
shining armor, he is valiant and true, and always ready for battle. And for
rescuing this damsel in distress from some of our previous, less worthy
fullback options, I am grateful for his heroics. I can’t say what his future
will hold, but he is pretty darned awesome now. And best of all, he has the
heart of a lion.
This
post inspired by the music of Miles Davis, including “When I Fall in Love” and
“Someday My Prince Will Come"