GdS: A favour for Amorim from Yakin – Jashari returns to Milanello revitalised

Among the positive notes of the international break for Ruben Amorim is Ardon Jashari, who returns to Milan full of confidence.

La Gazzetta dello Sport recall that Jashari’s start to life at Milan has not gone exactly according to plan for various reasons, but he will return to the city after a long spell at the national team that was rejuvenating for him.

It generated confidence, self-esteem and a positive feeling ahead of the journey he’ll resume at club level, or so he hopes. Jashari returns to Milanello bringing with him a fact that’s anything but predictable.

Of the 15 Rossoneri players who left for their respective national teams, he was the one with the most minutes under his belt with 295. No one from Amorim’s squad played as much as him. There are times when coaches turn up their noses at this, but it is excellent news for everyone.

Much-needed match rhythm

Jashari had an almost primal need for it. He needed to feel alive, like a key player who is useful. Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin gave him a starting spot in three of the four Nations League matches (Switzerland are in the ‘second tier’).

He played against North Macedonia (two encounters), Scotland, and Slovenia, and in return, he delivered more than comforting performances. This is the luggage Ardon carries with him now that he’s returned to Milan, and he wants to carry it on with nine games in 29 games coming.

One month ago, the midfielder said to La Gazzetta: “To show 100 percent of myself, it’s impossible to play one match and then sit out the next five or six. No one can expect to be a starter all the time, but you need to have a rhythm to be able to show your own.

It was a message to Amorim, but also an interview in which Jashari sang the coach’s praises, explaining his appreciation for his tactical principles. It was a conversation in which he detailed the reasons why he had so readily chosen to stay at Milan despite the advances of clubs in Italy and abroad.

One of those reasons was the Portuguese coach himself, who had reassured him after a one-on-one chat. Now, more tactical changes could help, especially if Amorim indeed shifts from the 3-4-2-1 to the 4-2-3-1, the system used by Yakin for his national team.

Up until now, both Allegri and Amorim have largely viewed Jashari as Luka Modric’s alter ego. At Milanello, the possibility of playing them together is starting to emerge, especially in matches where Adrien Rabiot needs to be moved back into the attacking midfield due to Saelemaekers’ absence.

It’s a working hypothesis, and Jashari doesn’t mind it: at just 24, his only desire is to play and, possibly, prove he’s worthy of Milan. The 1,034 minutes he’s played between last season and this one objectively don’t do him justice, especially as a €35m man.