Crumbling Midfield

Mathieu Flamini

When I tell people who my favorite player at AC Milan is, people feel stupefied. Do you know who my favorite AC Milan player is? Mathieu Flamini. Stupefied? Or atleast surprised?

Flamini was said to be the heir to Gattuso's boots when he arrived on a free transfer in 2008. He was one of the most promising defensive midfielders in the world at that time. Ever since, he has seen a change of management thrice. So he has had to impress 3 different footballing philosophies. I understand that to be a very hard task. Flamini has looked a bit out of shape since he has arrived. But that is because he hasn't seen enough of the ball with Gattuso whining in the background. The club policy of adhering to seniority is ridiculous and retarded, especially when everyone talks about the start of a new cycle. Well, if a new cycle is starting at the club, why are Gattuso and Seedorf still starting with Boatang and Flamini warming the bench? Flamini has a higher value proposition than Gattuso because the Frenchman is not only solid in defense, but he also makes darting runs into the opposition box. He also possesses the fantastic ability to drive shots from distance. His tactical awareness is low, but having said that, it's not high for Gattuso either. The 'pitbull' usualy sees yellow in the first half and performs tamely then on. Flamini might pick up a card but rarely slows the tempo. Gattuso's performances this season have been spirited but he lacks the legs for the big games. Therefore, the former Rangers man is a liability.

Boatang has looked decisive whenever he has played for Milan. The dynamism that he brings to the midfield is unparelled by any in the team. Yet he starts behind Seedorf and Ambrosini. Allegri has started to show his weakenesses as a manager, particularly his inability to stamp his authority. This was politely put across by Ibrahimovic in an interview recently and is fairly evident from his team selection.

Lets look at Boatang. He is another player who contributes in defense although he is an attack minded player. Kevin always gives his 100% and that really counts since he is not Christian Brocchi. He makes those drifting runs in the opposition third which draws defenders away, providing our illustrous forwards with oodles of space. His physical presence in midfield makes him a bully, the sort of player we have lacked for a very long time. However with Seedorf, we have a man who confuses the viewers with his pace and static approach to the game. Sometimes I feel that I might have hit 'pause' on the remote when I watch Clarence on the ball. He is slow, has a poor work rate and can't play at a consistent level on a bi-weekly basis. With Ambrosini, Milan have an average midfielder who simply runs from one end of the pitch to the other, assisting neither in attack nor to defense.

Ask me who my second favorite player at the club is and I would respond by saying Aleksander Merkel. The German is a spectacular talent and is being wasted in the Primevera. The few times that I watched him play in the friendlies, he impressed me greatly. Why isn't he in the main team? Why isn't he being given a chance to gain some experience at the top level? Even Chelsea with their midfield power find occasions to accomodate Josh McEachran. Merkel is as good and if given a chance could probably turn out to be better!

Milan's midfield would easily get mauled by several top sides in Europe. The current first choice midfield has neither the guile, the creativity, the bite or the strength to be able to withstand a top side. Allegri is heavily relying on the front three to win games. But in football, games are won in midfield. Milan do posses the talent and the quality to succeed. And if the younger boys are given a run-in the midfield would also find the drive and desire. The players he is currently using bi-weekly are at best impact players. It's only down to Allegri's risk appetite and his ability to stand by tough choices. The blame currenly lies squarely on the manager.