GdS: ‘Experiments over’ – Amorim to rely on big names from now on

For the past few weeks, AC Milan have had questions asked of their teams due to the choices made by Ruben Amorim. Now, it seems they’ll become a thing of the past.

The loss to Benfica was a frustrating one, but it was not helped by the decisions made by Amorim. A sort of half and half XI, there was no suggestion of what Milan wanted to do in Europe judging on his starting team.

It wasn’t filled with younger players who haven’t had minutes, nor was it a full strength team. So the questions came. However, it now seems that the Portuguese will move forward with strength in mind, as reported in this morning’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below).

Stars staying

The report first looks at the key players from last season, which Gerry Cardinale ‘secured’ during the summer. Adrien Rabiot and Christian Pulisic would both be staying put, as would Mike Maignan. All three had faced rumours about their futures over the summer. However, nothing came to fruition.

Logically, they should be the driving force for this team. Yet, they’ve not done that so far. Pulisic and Rabiot are still not showing their true selves, they’ve not led. The argument, though, is that they’ve not really had a chance to.

Leaders are essential and they must lead, especially when the Rossoneri are in this position. So, there’s ‘no time for experiments’ and the leaders must ‘always’ be on the pitch. The club cannot afford a lineup that deviates.

Rabiot and Pulisic returning as key starters, then, is a necessity.

Defensive focus

Mario Gila, on the other hand, has become a leader in the dressing room for his quality, proving himself to be key already. Amorim cannot do without him and he is unlikely to be left out again. Then, there is Maignan, who has still not spoken about his situation over the summer.

Actions can speak louder than words, especially in these situations, but there has been nothing to settle the minds of some.

The midfield

Rabiot has already proved himself this season, playing in a few positions. His best has come from attacking midfield, but with Luka Modric’s situation, there needs to be some balance and strength in the pivot. He cannot be left out of the mix, he remains vital.

Modric presents a strange question, though. There was talk of him being a ‘part-time’ player this summer, but he still wants to play a central role this season. It may not happen straight away, though, and his presence against Lecce this weekend is in doubt.

Questions will remain of the starters until results give reason not to, but moving to focus on the stars is a start.