Why midfield transfers will shape next season

Milan’s transfer activity has certainly given the fan-base a reason to look forward to the season. With signings like Ricardo Rodriguez and Andre Silva amongst others, the club has blown their war-horn, to remind the rest of Serie A that the giant has awoken and is ready for battle. The most crucial signings of the season however, will be the ones that Milan make in midfield—here are 3 reasons why!

1. Bertolacci, Poli, Sosa and Montolivo:

There were ten players on the roster according to the club this past season, who were capable of playing in midfield. However, only half of those players can be credited with having a positive impact. Montella appeared to have found his midfield in Kucka, Bonaventura and Locatelli before the injury of Jack in the latter half of the season. With Locatelli riding the bench, Milan’s midfield fell into the uncharismatic hands of Jose Sosa and Bertolacci who failed to reproduce the same dynamic as their teammates.

Considering Montella’s insistence on playing a 3-man midfield, it would be wise on Milan’s part to invest in players like Lucas Biglia and Borja Valero who will be instant upgrades over the current personnel.

2. Playing Style:

Milan are rebuilding themselves and the extension of Montella shows that the club agrees with his possession-based philosophy. While the coach has managed to instill a sense of style in the club during the previous campaign, he still lacks players who can pull it off successfully. With Jack being the only senior player in midfield with the ability to create at the moment, adding more play-makers will ensure that there are plenty of chances week-in week-out, for Milan’s forwards to finish.

Interest in star strikers is excellent news, but it will lead to nowhere if the team cannot provide them with adequate supply. If the club intends to bolster their goal scoring, they need to identify men who can pull the strings from the middle of the park.

3. Mentors:

In a squad that is brimming with young players, adding leaders to the mix is crucial in concocting success. Milan has relied heavily on youth to get back into Europe, but still needs players with experience to guide the starlets when they can’t find their groove. Having seasoned veterans capable of performing at the highest level will not only add strength to the squad, it will also enable the young players to look up to those who can actually be the difference-makers when the team calls for it, instead of washed-up players who can’t even break into the line-up.

With all the new signings falling in the category of “young and upcoming”, it is necessary that any midfield acquisitions made by the club add a touch of experience and quality that is missing in the roster at the moment.