Renewal

Spring is a sign of renewal, and Easter celebrates new life. Contrary to many on social media, Milan has experienced some of both renewal and new life this season. After spending €20m on Bertolacci and benching and then sending De Jong to Los Angeles, our midfield hasn’t exactly experienced a renewal. But at the other positions, there has been at least one bright spot, one new player who has singlehandedly changed our football for the better.

If you didn't watch, you missed this one for sure

Carlos Bacca

“Chewie” Bacca leads the Milan scoring table with 14 goals in 28 starts. He also has two assists. And while the glass-half-empty crowd will point out he would have had more goals if he had more service, the fact is that without that midfield renewal, that is unrealistic. But not only is he so clinical on goal, his goals are a joy to watch and his smile and celebrations infectious. Also, consider that we could have had Jackson Martinez.

When was the last time we had a CB that was this exciting to watch?

Alessio Romagnoli

I have almost forgotten how to cringe every time the ball comes near one of our defenders, and that is thanks to one incredibly impressive young defender, Nesta Romagnoli. Personally, I find the comparisons between another number 13 and this one a little off. Romagnoli is grittier than his predecessor, but also more bold and exciting to watch. His spectacular clearances alone are worth watching Milan this season. He has also blissfully washed away the tragic memories of a certain One Goal Wonder™.

Miraculous.

Gianluigi “Gigio” Donnarumma

Heaven sent us a goalkeeper, and he calls himself Gigio. So many young keepers have been hailed as the next Buffon, but Donnarumma simply shows up and makes incredible save after incredible save – 55 so far this season in the league, to be exact. At least twice now he has been voted the best performance of the week by Serie A fans online, and I expect that trend to continue. He has literally benched two great keepers twice his age, and no one is complaining. His performances are more than we could have ever asked for, and even Berlusconi, who can’t even confirm a coach that is successful in spite of him, has said we’re keeping Donnarumma for the next 20 years.

While others are writing off this season and habitually moaning about being a Milan fan, these three players alone make this season absolutely worth watching. They are renewing the beautiful in the beautiful game simply by being amazing players. And I, for one, would never miss a Milan match with them playing, because I know I would be missing out given their spectacular and consistent performances. Spring has come to Milan, and I hope it stays all year round.

This post inspired by the music of Muse’s “New Born”

 

To Milan fans everywhere, Happy Easter • Buona Pasqua!

Our next match is

Atalanta vs. Milan

Sunday, April 3 • 15:00 CEST (9am EDT)