Stefano Pioli could hand Samuel Chukwueze a start against AS Roma in the Europa League which would mean a change in role for Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Milan News), the coach is keen to avoid another weak attacking performance against Roma like his team produced in the first leg which ended 1-0 to the Giallorossi at San Siro.
To do this, he may look to have four natural attacking players on the pitch from the start in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Olivier Giroud will start up front, but the three behind could be Rafael Leao on the left, Christian Pulisic in the centre, and Chukwueze on the right.
This would be a just reward for the improved form that Chukwueze has shown recently, but it leaves Loftus-Cheek unable to play in the centre of the three as he has done for the bulk of the season.
Loftus-Cheek has been superb this season and deserves to play in the big matches, so he could actually drop deeper into the midfield two.
That may be Ismael Bennacer’s problem, as Tijjani Reijnders would be the most likely to start alongside Loftus-Cheek in the centre. It would be a risky strategy, but Milan have a deficit to overturn.
We tried it for 1 game and that game we played one of the best games off football we played all season. Even though it was against lecce the team was moving well , chukwueze was more free and explosive and pulisic was always a threat down the Middle. I dont get why we dont try this again. Its like Pioli finds something that works ( like okafor at ST) and then doesnt Apply it. Thats why i want him out , a good manager takes advantage of those positives and uses them to his advantage.
You’re right on spot my friend,if the report above is true then firing Mr. Pioli would the best thing for AC Milan.
I have always believed that Loftus Cheek was bought as a replacement for Kessie to boss the midfield but no Pioli asking players where they preferred playing and there by playing most of his non favourite players out of position.
If the report is true and formation and strategy pays off that means Mr. Pioli is gambler and does not fit AC Milan bench that is.
A manager should be sacked for not playing your preferred formation?
Superficial much?
It’s a good approach if we had a very physical defensive midfielder but it’s so much a risk against big team like Roma….
Yes please
RLC has been good and scoring. But we need a more creative player 4 his position. Pulisic has been doing a lot of back passes lately, he is not daring enough, something chukwueze is doing wonderfully and successfully lately. I don’t blame pulisic, cos pioli wont allow Calabria to be on the sides, something theo offers leao. Pioli will not let theo do what he knows best just like in the first match, and last years semis against inter. He tinkers too much. I would play RLC alongside rheinders in the double pivot and exploit RLCS physicallity
We must sell Chuk. His statistic is bad. 3 goals and 2 assist in all competition. What THE HELL CHUK
Good thing you’re not a talent scout. Maybe you’re better on the consoles.
Then tell Pioli to play him all the time
Sometimes i wonder if the Milan directors actually read our comments🤨
That’s great
Forza Milan