(05-25-2015, 05:57 PM)reza Wrote: Somebody decided to start a Mandzukic rumour.

(05-25-2015, 01:06 PM)somedevil Wrote: Agazzi is pretty meh, but for a third choice GK who can we get. Gabriel needs to be out on loan for another season while Donarumma/Gori aren't ready. My only problem with De Sciglio in the center is his lack of physical prowess. But it would be amazing, if he could excel in the center. We badly need a rock solid presence there.

As for Montolivo, I am not too hot on him. If we keep him, at least we mustn't expect him tor run the team. His patterns are rather predictable and he needs better, technical players around him to excel. Jose Mauri? But is he ready for the big time. Only time will tell.

Allan would be a great option but I recall reading that Juve have the hots for him. Honda? Not on the wings. We need proper wingers. Honda isn't one. Same with Niang. If he comes back, then not on the wings please. The guy is a #9.

(02-28-2015, 03:30 PM)ACMILAN1983 Wrote: However, I believe this is actually a mistake by clubs in the modern game. Too much emphasis is being placed on the physical qualities of defenders rather than other technical and mental qualities. Take some of the great defenders of history, such as Beckenbaur, Sammer, Baresi, Tassotti and Fabio Cannavaro. None were particularly big, yet all were considered some of the great defenders of the past. Interesting fact is that De Sciglio is actually taller and often heavier than these names.

It wouldn't hurt De Sciglio to put on a bit of muscle and be more aggressive when challenging an opponent for the ball, but fundamentally on a purely athletic level, there is no reason why he can't be a top level CB.

Finally, what convinces me that De Sciglio could be a success at CB is the similarities he shares to another legendary defender to don the red and black. Some might think I'm talking about Maldini, but actually I'm referring to Billy Costacurta. The strengths and qualities of Costacurta and De Sciglio are remarkably similar, although with De Sciglio having more pace and Costacurta having better tactical qualities. Their weaknesses are also quite similar as Costacurta never had the greatest of acceleration and wasn't the best at crossing while running down the flank. Interesting to note that both are also the same height and weight.

As a result I believe De Sciglio can transition into a CB. I wondered what others might think.

(05-25-2015, 06:10 PM)ACMILAN1983 Wrote: On DES, here's a bit of a post I made not too long ago in the player thread

(02-28-2015, 03:30 PM)ACMILAN1983 Wrote: However, I believe this is actually a mistake by clubs in the modern game. Too much emphasis is being placed on the physical qualities of defenders rather than other technical and mental qualities. Take some of the great defenders of history, such as Beckenbaur, Sammer, Baresi, Tassotti and Fabio Cannavaro. None were particularly big, yet all were considered some of the great defenders of the past. Interesting fact is that De Sciglio is actually taller and often heavier than these names.

It wouldn't hurt De Sciglio to put on a bit of muscle and be more aggressive when challenging an opponent for the ball, but fundamentally on a purely athletic level, there is no reason why he can't be a top level CB.

Finally, what convinces me that De Sciglio could be a success at CB is the similarities he shares to another legendary defender to don the red and black. Some might think I'm talking about Maldini, but actually I'm referring to Billy Costacurta. The strengths and qualities of Costacurta and De Sciglio are remarkably similar, although with De Sciglio having more pace and Costacurta having better tactical qualities. Their weaknesses are also quite similar as Costacurta never had the greatest of acceleration and wasn't the best at crossing while running down the flank. Interesting to note that both are also the same height and weight.

As a result I believe De Sciglio can transition into a CB. I wondered what others might think.

Basically I did a little research and really when compared to many great defenders, physically he's pretty comparable, I think it comes down to how he uses his body and attitude. Baresi was smaller and Costacurta was identical and yet no one feels they were lacking in physical prowess. I also say this from experience, as I prefer playing defence, but physically am a similar size to Baresi, yet rarely am physically overwhelmed because I've got a good understanding of how to use my body and weight.

Thing is, I think that's why there's a dearth in quality CBs today, because there's a focus on looking at guys that are big and strong, yet lack many of the key skills to be a great defender.

On Montolivo, I think when in an organised group with good players around him that compliment him, he can do really well. That's why I propose he have technical players around him.

With Mauri, I would expect him to be a squad player, not a starter, which I think he's capable of doing.

Yeah I heard about Juve's interest in Allan. It came about after he faced them and totally dominated Pogba. Thing is, I think if Milan give him guarantees about a serious project which he's an invaluable part of, where he also gets to play with fellow Brazilians Thiago Silva and Firmino, then he could be more convinced to join than going to Juve where he's got no guarantees on his role.

On Honda, I think playing wide and playing as a winger are totally different. Basically, I would like to see his qualities made use of and him given the freedom to express himself, by using his abilities as a playmaker. He might start wide, but I wouldn't expect him to stay there especially with Abate overlapping.

Finally on Niang, I've always thought he should be developed as a striker, but didn't include him in my squad as I think he needs to play and grow. Plus he just can't be relied on as a goalscorer for Milan yet.