AC Milan 2014-2015 Season Preview: Attack

First things first, Mario Balotelli is 98% staying at AC Milan.  Those were the words uttered by Adriano Galliani just last week.  What does that mean?  That the offers from Arsenal and Liverpool are good but not great and that he will most likely be sold.  Let's stop for a minute and consider the attack with Mario Balotelli.

El Sharaawy, Pazzini and Menez...

While I do in fact contend that Mario Balotelli is better off sold, I can't deny that he is our most talented player and the only player that can actually turn a game on it's head. The problem is his own head and while I think he may flourish a bit more in the 4-3-3, his stint as a lone striker was deemed a mistake by everyone but the guy putting him out there! Thank you Clarence Seedorf.  The reality is the guy simply can't get on his head on straight and while this team needs him, he doesn't seem to get that or play that way.  On the other hand Stephan El Sharaawy does seem to get that and two seasons ago he played his heart out and started laying the foundation to becoming a Legend.  This was before Balotelli and now those two need to find a way to make it work.  Their final running mate on the right side, Jeremy Menez.  Frankly I can't stand him, he has pace and next to nothing else.  Adel Taarabt was the better option and while I still think the Moroccan should be purchased the real issue is what happens after those three.

One can argue Pazzini is A-OK as a vice Balotelli and actually a bit more liable to make good on loose balls in the box.  A trait our Coach was glorified for. The rest though is an absolute mess! M'baye Niang is as useless as they come and while Robinho was sold, he stays on.  Robinho could have played left or right while those who supported Niang years back said the right flank wasn't his place now they think it is A-OK.  His place is not on this team.  After that the pickings are slim.  Petagna? Not sure what to make of that guy.  Which leaves us in  weird spot.

Keisuke Honda was not mentioned in the midfielders and one could be sure he wasn't going to be found in the defense or goalkeeper so where does that leave the Japanese international?  To think the team finally has a true #10 and the Coach opts for a 4-3-3 makes me cringe a bit, but I imagine Honda plays on the RW, and while I don't think it's a great spot for him, I don't see another role.  Unless of course Filippo Inzaghi is willing to relent on his formation and play a 4-3-1-2, the best suited formation for his personnel but that would be to easy.  This is Milan where everything has to be harder.