MN: Gila ‘already irreplaceable’ for Milan – why over-dependance could be a worry

Mario Gila had been exceptional up to being forced off with cramp in the win over Torino, and he already feels like a key pillar.

As MilanNews report, Gila showed exactly why he can be so important under the new coach Ruben Amorim. He perfectly matches what the coach wants: speed, aggression, tenacity and the desire to dominate in both phases.

The struggle at the end without him at the end of the game bears witness to the fact he might be ‘already irreplaceable’, which is quite an impression to make in a first league start.

A top debut

Were there any doubts that he could perform? Honestly, not many. In his two years at Lazio, the Spanish defender often showcased all his qualities, but it was refreshing to see as part of Milan’s three-man back line.

Fans and pundits were all used to something more defensive and passive with Massimiliano Allegri on the bench. Gila may have come it at centre-back, yet he is one of those players who can set the tone, with the high line and the desire to win the ball back.

This worked until the 75th minute, when the team suffered a clear and normal decline in fitness. Alieu Njie’s introduction in the final quarter of an hour undoubtedly put Milan’s right flank under pressure, with Gila suffering from cramp and Samuel Chukwueze running out of steam.

Without the former Real Madrid man, Milan struggled terribly in that area of ​​the pitch. Eventually, Alexis Saelemaekers was diverted to right wing-back to try offer more protection to Koni De Winter, who had been shifted to the right with Matteo Gabbia coming on down the middle.

Ignazio Abate only needed one substitution and a forced exit for Gila to put the Rossoneri in difficulty. Gila is expected to be irreplaceable, but Milan also need more defensively, because perhaps he might not be enough on his own.