Pato

[ACMILAN1983]

I was surprised at how difficult it was to find this thread lol, would've thought it was on the first page of the players section.

Anyway, I think given the Olympics are on it's worth keeping track of Pato's performances and fitness, as he is looking more likely to take on greater responsibility next season.

I saw him against Egypt when he came on for Damiao and he looked good in his movement in his short spell, looking lively and would have scored had it not been for Marcelo's poor pass/shot.

I also want to ask if anyone watched him against Belarus, as he started and apparently looked really good with lively movement. I saw his goal and I must admit his movement was excellent, as he started peeling off the defender and then really pulled towards the ball to get in front of the marker to score. I was really happy to see that movement because I criticised his movement a few weeks ago saying he would wait for the opportunity to come to him, rather than make the opportunity for himself with his movement. Had that cross come into the box like that 6 months ago, I guarantee Pato wouldn't have attacked the ball the way he did and probably wouldn't have even got a chance.

[xudong]

I didn't watch the game, but I heard that other than the goal, he was not much involved with the rest of team. Of course I also read that it was the selfishness of Neymar, which I tend to believe.

At least it was a good start. Having scored for Brazil would certainly boost his confidence, which can only do Milan good.

[WCmilan]

I watched the full game, he played great against Belarus, he didn't have many chances but his movement was great his goal was good and I was really happy to see he didn't lose one bit of his pace, that was my biggest concern not seeing him in action for so long with all these injuries that he would lose his speed, well he didn't, not even the slightest bit.

[xudong]

Thanks for sharing the information. It is great to hear that.

[am I Milan enough?]

Most importantly, after 2 games he still stays fit.

[Siregar]

In Allegri system, he has to improve his work rate significantly. If I am not wrong, Allegri has substituted him in second half because he didn't give his best when Milan lost ball possession. I agree with Allegri, Milan must play as a unit, a compact team whether in defensive mode or when attacking the opponent.

What Pato should do IMO:
1. Stay fit
2. Keep playing simple, reduce unnecessary dribble especially from flank
3. Boost his work rate

[ACMILAN1983]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm hoping that as he regains his fitness and stays healthy, his workrate might improve. More than anything he looked afraid when chasing back last season as though he was trying to avoid risks of injury.

I also get the impression Allegri will work heavily with him this season. In December Pato complained about lack of communication and now it looks set that the club will back him, meaning he is Allegri's striker for the future. In the past, it always seemed uncertain that Pato would stay at the club, stay fit to play and he was always second to Ibra.

[ZvonimirBoban]

I was surprised at how difficult it was to find this thread lol, would've thought it was on the first page of the players section.

Given the 'wars' that happened here last season it is quite surprising indeed

[WCmilan]

If were using him as a number 9 and as berlusconi said a "goleador" he'll have less defensive duty thus less of a work rate is required because I presume he'll play the highest up the pitch and play the offside trap

[ZvonimirBoban]

Pato scores when Brazil faced Sweden in a 3-0 victory, I'm happy Ibra didn't score and Pato did.