Summer Mercato 2011

[ACMILAN1983]

Boateng will play RCM or LCM

“My preferred role is trequartista and I’m enjoying it, albeit not for much longer,” Boateng told Tuttosport. “Coach Allegri already told me in future I’ll have to play in midfield, on the right or the left. I think our team is complete, so a new buy isn’t crucial, although obviously I don’t make those decisions. If a player arrives who can help us to win, then he’s very welcome. Competition is healthy for individuals and the group.”

I think this was inevitable. Allegri's publicly said Boateng could play in midfield multiple times in the recent past, even if (for now) his role is behind the forwards. I don't know why Boateng prefers playing behind the forwards so much, I can only assume it's because he likes the freedom and possibility of runs into the box to score. However, his qualities are those of a midfielder (particularly mezzala) as he's physically a beast that's got energy to burn. He's quick and technically gifted and doesn't lose the ball cheaply. With some greater tactical discipline, something which has noticeably improved over the past year, he could look to become a world class midfielder, something which will never likely happen if he stays higher up the pitch.

Boateng's tactical awareness still needs improving, but after a year with Milan, I think he can cope with new position(s).

And about transfer, it seems that we agree with Scudetto as main objective

Boateng started last year as a RCM and played best in that position. He will go back to playing that position or LCM. My opinion is that we may get Ganso sooner rather than later and no one for midfield. If we dont get Ganso, and play with Robinho or Cassano as ACM, we will be in trouble against better teams, but never underestimate the cheapness of our management

I disagree, I don't think RCM or LCM was his best position last year, as tactically he was caught out too often. I do think as ACM he was a revelation though, even if like I said above it seems inevitable his future is in midfield.

[Jay Crisp]

Milinarios they play in different positions are different players.Ganso isn't the fastest never was that's not his game , but going for Kaka now isn't a step forward it's a sideways maneuver and there a huge chance that one tackle one stretch boom he's out for months.

[theaxeofpain]

It's a huge gamble signing Kaka at the moment. Maybe on loan with half of his wages paid by Real Madrid, otherwise it would be stupid.

[millinarios]

It's a huge gamble signing Kaka at the moment. Maybe on loan with half of his wages paid by Real Madrid, otherwise it would be stupid.

Considering how big fan favorite Kaká was in Milan (and possibly to some extent he still is), he could easily bring back most of his wages if Milan would get half of his image rights, as it was rumored.

I agree with that we shouldn't pay too much to Real Madrid, but a loan deal with half image rights, and lowered wages could be too nice of an opportunity to miss.

Milinarios they play in different positions are different players.Ganso isn't the fastest never was that's not his game , but going for Kaka now isn't a step forward it's a sideways maneuver and there a huge chance that one tackle one stretch boom he's out for months.

As I said I'm not a Ganso expert, but I remember reading something about a knee surgery in 2010, and that he wasn't at his best since returning from that injury. So in this regard he and Kaká could very well share the same risk...

Anyway, according to my information both players prefer to play trequartista, but maybe you could outline the differences between the two, as I didn't seen Ganso that much.

About going forward, yes he is a player of Milan's past, and we seen what happened to Shevchenko when he came back. But this kind of failure is not a law - like remember when Rijkaard returned to Ajax and helped them win the CL next year? Considering what we can currently offer in the trequartista role, even an older Kaká could be a step forward in quality, but of course he wouldn't be a long term solution... And as far as results come, I would not care about our reputation as a "retirement home" or something like that...

[theaxeofpain]

[quote='millinarios' pid='11351' dateline='1313314991']

Considering how big fan favorite Kaká was in Milan (and possibly to some extent he still is), he could easily bring back most of his wages if Milan would get half of his image rights, as it was rumored.

I agree with that we shouldn't pay too much to Real Madrid, but a loan deal with half image rights, and lowered wages could be too nice of an opportunity to miss.

Still, as JayCrisp said above, he's always injured. I am a big fan of Kaka, I'd love him to do well whether at Milan or somewhere else. Still, he can't give his best being injured.

[ACMILAN1983]

Quiet day on the rumour front, other than Fabregas seems a step closer to Barca and we don't want to spend more on Aquilani.

Must say a part of me wants to see us bring Aquilani and Montolivo to Milan. These two are good players, who really should be at the heart of the current Italian midfield with De Rossi, yet none of this generation of players have made the step up to become elite footballers. However, I can see why certain tacticians like Allegri and Prandelli are keen on these players, because there is the ability to make the final step, and I'd love for our club to really polish these guys into diamonds.

[Aficio]

Boateng started last year as a RCM and played best in that position. He will go back to playing that position or LCM. My opinion is that we may get Ganso sooner rather than later and no one for midfield. If we dont get Ganso, and play with Robinho or Cassano as ACM, we will be in trouble against better teams, but never underestimate the cheapness of our management

I agree that he put some good performances, but he was only good at attacking. He was sometimes out of position, though he could cover with his stamina and super strength, but that was not enough. So I think Allegri moved him higher up the field to use only his attack abilities. However, I welcome him moving back because Rino is not getting younger while Flamini can't improve. We need energy there.

I'm waiting for a line up:
-----Boateng---------creative CM-----
--------------Robinho------------------
It is not the best, but it is refreshing to watch a dynamic Milan.

No comment about our management

I think this was inevitable. Allegri's publicly said Boateng could play in midfield multiple times in the recent past, even if (for now) his role is behind the forwards. I don't know why Boateng prefers playing behind the forwards so much, I can only assume it's because he likes the freedom and possibility of runs into the box to score. However, his qualities are those of a midfielder (particularly mezzala) as he's physically a beast that's got energy to burn. He's quick and technically gifted and doesn't lose the ball cheaply. With some greater tactical discipline, something which has noticeably improved over the past year, he could look to become a world class midfielder, something which will never likely happen if he stays higher up the pitch.

I'm glad that he is willingly to accept that role. That means our coach and the player himself have the required preparation.

[ZvonimirBoban]

[color=#9400D3]Am I the only one who would be extremely happy to welcome Kaka back home?

No, I want Kaka too... but only if he came almost free and with greatly reduced wage. As someone said, he's still better than almost our existing options as trequartista. But no if we splash 20-30M for him. And the problem is...

[color=#9400D3]I am seriously hoping and praying that this Ganso guy goes to Madrid asap. That would mean Kaka for us & also some one like Higuaine, Benzema or maybe even Ozil in future will have a chance .....

I don't think anybody here will take you seriously anymore just kidding, I can't resist to say that

Must say a part of me wants to see us bring Aquilani and Montolivo to Milan. These two are good players, who really should be at the heart of the current Italian midfield with De Rossi, yet none of this generation of players have made the step up to become elite footballers. However, I can see why certain tacticians like Allegri and Prandelli are keen on these players, because there is the ability to make the final step, and I'd love for our club to really polish these guys into diamonds.

Totally agree on this one.

[Gabriel426]

Why would some of u only want Kaka if he is free, on loan and cut his wages. Let's say if he comes to Milan for 15 mil with the same wages, would that be a bad deal, if he leads Milan to CL or plays a great role in helping Milan repeat or both? And say he does come back for free, with Real paying all his wages but failed like Sheva. Would you then say Milan did great by not risking any money on Kaka? But when you think about it, if Kaka is the lone signing and it did not work, would Milan suffer even if he came for free, since Milan lost out an opportunity to sign someone useful instead of going for a free option?

Point is, if Milan, ie Galli, Max and Berlu do not believe Kaka can improve the squad, then he is still useless if Real would give him to Milan for free. But if they do believe he will improve the squad and the chances for Milan to win CL and Serie A, then sign him for the right price. And not a loan deal...since Real will never put in a loan and buy option for Milan unless the price is 40mil. Thus even if Kaka plays well and help Milan, Milan don't have the money to buy Kaka then and must start to look for someone who can replace his spot again next summer.


As for Monty and Aqua. I really don't think they lack the jump to be great rather, I think they are just solid players and nothing more. After all, not like they are on the bench for their teams, they do play regularly.

[Nalx]

About going forward, yes he is a player of Milan's past, and we seen what happened to Shevchenko when he came back. But this kind of failure is not a law - like remember when Rijkaard returned to Ajax and helped them win the CL next year?

It's NOT a law, mate? Let's put the plan/wage stuff aside, but can you please name one player whose second stint in Milan was anywhere near as good as his first one?

Capello, Sacchi, Gullit, Donadoni, Simone, Leonardo, Sheva, Beckham. That IMO covers pretty much every possible scenarios: from coaches to players, from player that was still in his prime year (Gullit scored about 15? goals with Sampdoria before returning to us) to those about to retire (Donadoni, Simone, Leonardo), even the players that came on loan (Sheva, Beckham).

It's said history repeats itself. And considering his (lack of) fitness the last two years, why would Kaka be a different scenario now?