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)