Milan Machine Room

The key player

Milan midfielders are one of the best in Italy in terms of ball possession, just slightly behind Juventus. The 58% rate of ball possession per game is high enough to show that Milan's nature to control the game, whatever the result.

Milan’s machine room has 3 players, which formed the 4-3-3 formation by Allegri, which have found its balance. They are now sitting in the 4^th place after a terrible start of the season, which only lost once in their last 14 league games.

Talking about Milan’s midfielder, Riccardo Montolivo is the key player. In the beginning of the season, he stationed in central midfielder position along with Antonio Nocerino and Nigel De Jong as a breaker, also with Kevin-Prince Boateng as trequartista. It didn’t work as Boateng and Nocerino’s shine last season was much helped by the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Now as the big Swede leaves to PSG, they have to adapt in a different style of play. It takes time, but unfortunately football rarely give you that time. If you don't change, you're done.

Milan’s awful run in the first 10 weeks forced Allegri to try various systems. From 3-4-3, 3-5-2, 4-2-3-1 and now 4-3-3. Whatever the systems, Milan’s midfield keeps their good ball retention, and they also develop Montolivo into a higher level. Montolivo once speak that trequartista is not his favorite position, while he’s prefer more deep position. Milan now has given this role, as De Jong injured until the end of season.

Allegri likes the physical player to be played in front of defence. That’s why he chose De Jong to replace Mark Van Bommel. By putting Montolivo in this position, there are some risks and some advantages. The risk is of course regarding the defense. Montolivo is known for his vision, his pass and his ability to distribute the ball as well as dictates the tempo, not his defensive contribution. A Pirlo like. To put a player like this in front of defense, your team needs more enforcers and strong center backs.

Milan doesn’t have that strong center backs as Thiago Silva-Alessandro Nesta are no longer there. Phillip Mexes-Cristian Zapata are not a bad player, but they may not reach the level of Thiago Silva-Nesta. So, Allegri need more defense alternative. A compact system, not based on individual skill that Milan doesn't have right now.

He needs 2 dynamic midfielders to protect Montolivo, and make sure that Montolivo enjoy his role as a deep-lying playmaker. That 2 dynamic midfielders should be good in both defense and attack. The available options are Ambrosini, Nocerino, Boateng, Flamini, Muntari and Traore. Flamini is a revelation. He has became the same player he used to be in Arsenal. He protects the defense with his determination and tireless action, also support the attack with his good passing ability and sometimes he surprise opponent's goalkeeper with his cannon ball. However, his injury prone is one thing that will be a problem.

Muntari and Ambrosini has shown a fine display against Barcelona. Their tactical discipline, their ability to close all area made Iniesta, Messi and Xavi mediocre players. Allegri put Ambrosini in front of defense in that match in order to limit Barcelona’s attacking prowess. In fact, Ambrosini has 9 interceptions in that match, more than anyone else.

This midfield balance also helped by their 2 wide forward, who are assigned to track back as well as exploit the room that left by opponent’s full back while they attack. You know that I’m talking about El Shaarawy and Boateng against Dani Alves and Jordi Alba.

The defensive awareness shown by Milan’s wide forward has been excellent. El Shaarawy, Boateng, and Niang who are regularly played in that position has the power and speed to complete 2 assignment at one time: attack and tracking back. That’s make Milan as a collective team, both in defense and attack.

But one thing, Montolivo’s presence seems unchangeable. Every time he play, Milan would ensure the total control of midfield because he bosses that area, which would create more chances of goals. He’s got unique ability that Milan’s other midfield doesn’t have. If he absent due to injury or suspension, Milan would play differently, but not in a positive way. See the match against ex Allegri' side Cagliari.

The ability to cope Montolivo’s absent is one more thing that Allegri should solve. They have to learn how to play without him, keep Milan in their style of ball possession and threat in many ways.

Now, as the season has entered the crucial phase, Milan need everything in their resources to collect as many points as they could in Serie a. They still have to fight for Champions League position, and they still have away game against Barcelona. Both Serie a and Champions League run are important. Reaching the third position is a must as they need money from Champions League participation, while keep going as far as they can go in current Champions League will provide them extra money and also building the winning mentality.

Milan already have Riccardo Saponara next season in midfield. I have never seen him playing, but from what I’ve heard and I’ve read, he’s more attacking type of midfield as he also can play as second striker, a skillfull player. I imagine Erik Lamela, Hernanes or Antonio Cassano. I don’t know. With the fact that Ambrosini has not sign his new contract, Milan need more players in midfield. A dynamic midfielders with powers and passing ability, like Juventus got in Vidal and Marchisio.

Talking about Juve’s midield, they actually have too big dependence to Pirlo, and everybody knows that the way to beat Juve is just simply eliminate Pirlo. Every team could assign one of their player to mark Pirlo and limit his path. We've heard Hamsik Role and so on. But that’s not an easy job because Juve has Vidal and Marchisio, 2 dynamics midfielder who can pass, tackle, and score. The other team has to face them both before they could interrupt Pirlo. If Milan wants to create team around Montolivo, they need that 2 types of midfielders.