Paolo Maldini (3) thread

[xudong]

Has Darmian ever played as CB? IIRC that's where he played one or two times I saw him in Milan shirt and I remember thinking he was too short. Speaking of developing physically, I think it's been suggested numerous times that De Sciglio needs one too.

I am fairly certain that he played CB as a youth player and was touted to be our new great CB. I guess he was versatile enough to switch over to the wing as his career developed.

That's what I remember too.

is darmian really that good??

In my memory, no. We held on to him for quite a while, so I guess he must have potential but never was able to show it. Of course, I thought (at that time) that it must be because that his father played for Milan before. I guess I am cynical (Nalx can confirm that )

But apparently he is getting better and while he plays more, his confidence is improving too and that helps a defender. I don't think he will become a Tassotti level (i.e. de Sciglio level), but I would welcome him back to Milan family if he doesn't cost too much. Still, it is a big gamble to start him in the World Cup considering that he had only played 1 match for Italy before (iirc).

[Nalx]

is darmian really that good??

In my memory, no. We held on to him for quite a while, so I guess he must have potential but never was able to show it. Of course, I thought (at that time) that it must be because that his father played for Milan before. I guess I am cynical (Nalx can confirm that )

But apparently he is getting better and while he plays more, his confidence is improving too and that helps a defender. I don't think he will become a Tassotti level (i.e. de Sciglio level), but I would welcome him back to Milan family if he doesn't cost too much. Still, it is a big gamble to start him in the World Cup considering that he had only played 1 match for Italy before (iirc).

Hahaha.. I didn't know Darmian's father was a Milan player. He was having a breakthrough season with Torino. For all we know, it could be a one-off, you know, like Borriello with Genoa.

[sylrus]

I didnt know either that darmian father used to play for milan. From what i remember he was just a decent defender for a mid table team. Maybe he has develop now. How old is he?

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[xudong]

I didnt know either that darmian father used to play for milan. From what i remember he was just a decent defender for a mid table team. Maybe he has develop now. How old is he?

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I read about it a few years ago. I just now went online to search again trying to confirm that his father indeed played for us, but can't find it anywhere online. But I know that I remember it clearly how I read it, so I turned out to be wrong, it must be a mistake by that report I read a few years ago.

He is 24.

[sylrus]

24 hmmmm
i thought he is 26
if he ended up playing for us i hope its not a 1 hit wonder season for him
but! if he ended at jube i hope he is a 1 hit wonder

[xudong]

24 hmmmm
i thought he is 26
if he ended up playing for us i hope its not a 1 hit wonder season for him
but! if he ended at jube i hope he is a 1 hit wonder

you took the word out of my mouth.

[ACMILAN1983]

Has Darmian ever played as CB? IIRC that's where he played one or two times I saw him in Milan shirt and I remember thinking he was too short. Speaking of developing physically, I think it's been suggested numerous times that De Sciglio needs one too.

As Mystik says, he did. He actually grew up as a CB in the Milan youth set up, much like De Sciglio. Like you allude to, the reason they were moved to fullback is because their physique isn't necessarily suited to CB at senior level, although they may fill out in the future.

This also explains why both Darmian and De Sciglio are very good defensively (something rare in Italy these days). Unlike most fullbacks/wingbacks these days, they're focus growing up was often on the defensive part of the game, less than the offensive. Albertazzi at Verona is another who will probably fall into this category (though offensively he's weaker anyway). Getting back to Maldini in the topic, we should acknowledge how important this is, as he predicted Taiwo's failure at Milan because he saw Taiwo wasn't quick enough to get back to defend. I'd argue the same for Constant (until his form improved), while Urby does get back more quickly, but is just a bad defender.

is darmian really that good?

In disagreement with Xu I think yes depending on expectations. If you mean is he world class, then honestly at this point no, but if you mean is he deserving of the praise he's been getting in recent months, then I say yes. I've always had a lot of hope for him and bear in mind he made his debut for our senior side at 16, when we still had the likes of Maldini and Nesta in the squad.

At Milan his biggest problem was there was a lack of space in the senior squad. While we did the right thing in sending him out (though I'd prefer loans rather than co-ownership), we never showed him patience to let him mature in peace. I think many have recognised his performances this year, but he's actually been growing a lot over a few years at Torino, it's just we're seeing his true maturity now.

[ACMILAN1983]

Maldini turns 45 today. Happy birthday to him

[Aficio]

Happy birthday!

Waiting for you!

[reza]

Happy Birthday

Come back please!