Maldini for me is one of the most improved players. I remember seeing him towards the end of last season and thinking he has no place in Milan. But he's clearly talented and we've seen flashes of his ability in recent times, to the point where last time he played I was thinking "ok now I see why he's here".
It's easy to forget he is only 18. He also has to work extra hard to prove that he's not here JUST because he is "A Maldini" and that's not an easy task. No matter what, this will always be on people's mind. I'm rooting for him. He may not turn out to be a legend or a world class player, but as long as he's a useful squad member, I am fine with keeping him....as long as he's fine with being a squad player.
I think of someone like Thomas Müller when I think of D. Maldini and I'm hoping that he tries to learn from Müller. He never was that flashy player or someone people considered an unreal talent. Rarely ever did he steal the headlines. But the guy is one of the most intelligent players to play the game in the last 20 years and has been an incredible servant to Bayern. He gets all the basics right ALL the time. So for Maldini, I am not looking for him to do some crazy stuff in the game, or score crazy goals, etc, etc. I'm looking for him to be intelligent in his movements, work hard for the team, get the basics right...and go from there.
It's easy to forget he is only 18. He also has to work extra hard to prove that he's not here JUST because he is "A Maldini" and that's not an easy task. No matter what, this will always be on people's mind. I'm rooting for him. He may not turn out to be a legend or a world class player, but as long as he's a useful squad member, I am fine with keeping him....as long as he's fine with being a squad player.
I think of someone like Thomas Müller when I think of D. Maldini and I'm hoping that he tries to learn from Müller. He never was that flashy player or someone people considered an unreal talent. Rarely ever did he steal the headlines. But the guy is one of the most intelligent players to play the game in the last 20 years and has been an incredible servant to Bayern. He gets all the basics right ALL the time. So for Maldini, I am not looking for him to do some crazy stuff in the game, or score crazy goals, etc, etc. I'm looking for him to be intelligent in his movements, work hard for the team, get the basics right...and go from there.