06-28-2012, 01:49 PM
I think people misunderstood my point. I'm using Montolivo's performance as an example as to what we should be aiming for defensively from Boateng in AM in Milan. Essentially, we should be looking to win the ball back higher up the pitch and it's important Boateng improves this aspect of his game if he is to justify his selection in AM.
Gabriel, Montolivo's game against England might have been a one off due to the poor opposition, but he illustrated very well how effective someone who can win the ball back high is.
I don't think my expectation is all too high either, as Mesut Ozil, Pablo Aimar, David Silva, Mirko Vucinic, Shinji Kagawa, Franck Ribery, Mario Gotze and Marco Reus all averaged more tackles and/or interceptions per game than Boateng, whose main purpose for playing in the trequartista role isn't his creative ability but rather his ability to drive and physical capabilities to dominate and press opponents. Allegri has also said Boateng needs to manage the game better, and I bet this is part of the reason.
Gabriel, Montolivo's game against England might have been a one off due to the poor opposition, but he illustrated very well how effective someone who can win the ball back high is.
I don't think my expectation is all too high either, as Mesut Ozil, Pablo Aimar, David Silva, Mirko Vucinic, Shinji Kagawa, Franck Ribery, Mario Gotze and Marco Reus all averaged more tackles and/or interceptions per game than Boateng, whose main purpose for playing in the trequartista role isn't his creative ability but rather his ability to drive and physical capabilities to dominate and press opponents. Allegri has also said Boateng needs to manage the game better, and I bet this is part of the reason.