OFFICIAL: Milan signs Onyewu!

I await to see an official response from ITALIAN past-Milan players. I have this feeling they are not too happy, whilst Amricans, understabdibly, are happy for this player to take the next step....

I have posted this in the Summer Merca.... as well:

Inter Wanted AC Milan Signing Onyewu - Standard Liege Vice-President
The Nerazzurri were also following the towering defender...
7 Jul 2009 22:19:28


AC Milan officially signed Oguchi Onyewu on Tuesday and Standard Liege vice-president Luciano D'Onofrio believes that the Serie A side have made an excellent acquisition.

"I think Milan have made a purchase of exceptional value with Onyewu, he is a player that can be a good alternative in [Milan coach] Leonardo's team," he said, according to Goal.com Italia.

"They had already contacted us some time ago, then I met [vice-president Adriano] Galliani last night and we resumed our discussions."

Interestingly, D'Onofrio revealed that the Rossoneri's city rivals, Inter, had also expressed interest in the United States international.

"For the player, who had an expiring contract, we were approached by many teams, among them Inter. The other teams were Birmingham and [Borussia] Monchengladbach."

Adam Scime, Goal.com

Thing is, he seems mkore happy for the player's departure, and losing him for free. What?

Wish him all the best, not what I was expecting in terms of the world class defender that was supposed to replace Maldini (?). Never really watched him play, I'll still hope for Santacroce but I doubt we'll get him seeing as we have so many CB's now.

Originally Posted by MVBasten

This is simply a brilliant signing, regardless of what some might think. This is exactly the type of CB we need, he's big and strong and is perfect partner with a speedy and good tackler like Thiago Silva. Having a brilliant all-rounder like Nesta to learn from is also great, regardless how much Nesta will be able to play next season.

And lets not forget, this guy cost us nothing, he will be fairly cheap in terms of salary and won't complain if he's on the bench. He's 27, a great age for a CB having his best years in front of him. Oh, and let's not forget that buying an American that is very popular in the US, is really lucrative considering USA being an important market for an international club like Milan. There is a reason why we travel to USA in pre-season year after year.

And yes, there is a real possibility, like with any new player, that he will fail in the club. We will surely be able to sell him if that happens, and get a few million euros for him.

MVBasten...I echo your comments but I wouldn't go as far to say it is a brilliant signing. It's a shrewd move and cheap for Milan. Onyewu has tremendous upside. To those who haven't watched him...his weaknesses: VERY uncomfortable in box. Not comfortable with his left foot. He is no Nesta. For once I think our honchos are moving in the right direction. If Onyewu can milk all the knowledge he can from Sandro, we will have a very good central defender for years to come.

For those who say this player is slow, they are terrbily mistaken. He has this unique speed to him, almost like.... teleportation!

In an international against Mexico, he takes a massive throw (as long as a cross) from the boundary, into America's attacking box. The header is deflected, and Donovan hits it back in high. That's is when, alomost like lighning, Onyewu is in the centre of the box to header it past Ochoa.
So, yes, he is fast, but in a different way.....

See this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khQDt...eature=related

I have seen Onyewu a number of times for the US in world cup qualifiers and other tournaments and only once (against Spain in the Confed Cup) has he impressed. He makes mental mistakes and never tries to control the ball. If the ball is coming near him he is simply going to try to kick it out which may be a problem if Milan are planning to use an uptempo game. That being said Milan got killed in the air last season because our defenders were not strong enough and could not jump with opposing attackers and this is Onyewu's strength. So I wish him the best and hopefully he can find his place here. The transfer was free and he has a Bel. passport so there really isn't much of a downside. Upgrade from Kaladze and Senderos.

See this video for a Milan fan complimation of the player. It also feautures his girlfriend.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71mDkLRulAs

Originally Posted by Rosso6

MVBasten...I echo your comments but I wouldn't go as far to say it is a brilliant signing. It's a shrewd move and cheap for Milan. Onyewu has tremendous upside. To those who haven't watched him...his weaknesses: VERY uncomfortable in box. Not comfortable with his left foot. He is no Nesta. For once I think our honchos are moving in the right direction. If Onyewu can milk all the knowledge he can from Sandro, we will have a very good central defender for years to come.

Such a rough prodcut however should be 25 or younger just like Silva. He hasn't much time to improve. After all, he is supposedly in his prime right now. Whatever he has to learn from Nesta and co. must be learnt quick!

Originally Posted by jvig12183

I have seen Onyewu a number of times for the US in world cup qualifiers and other tournaments and only once (against Spain in the Confed Cup) has he impressed. He makes mental mistakes and never tries to control the ball. If the ball is coming near him he is simply going to try to kick it out which may be a problem if Milan are planning to use an uptempo game. That being said Milan got killed in the air last season because our defenders were not strong enough and could not jump with opposing attackers and this is Onyewu's strength. So I wish him the best and hopefully he can find his place here. The transfer was free and he has a Bel. passport so there really isn't much of a downside. Upgrade from Kaladze and Senderos.

Certainly an upgrade from Senderos, but let's not forget Kaladze's capabilities. He was hoblbing badly last season and was forced to play due to a shortage of fit defenders... I mean, if you play Favalli in CB, you know there is a problem!

At 27, he is going to learn more slowly, and that is another major downside. Atleast Silva is still 25.

What I have seen from Silva is that he thumps the ball clear as well!! YOu must really dominate your opponent if you are to properly get the ball to another midfielder, and that rarely happens. Lets just be grateful if they can constantly clear it out of danger!

Also, how are Thiago Silva's aerial skills?

Here's an interesting video. It's the Nike=produced Joga Bonita video of Gooch from 2006:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBcG7FJWcxM

Originally Posted by Saliwonczyk

Certainly an upgrade from Senderos, but let's not forget Kaladze's capabilities. He was hoblbing badly last season and was forced to play due to a shortage of fit defenders... I mean, if you play Favalli in CB, you know there is a problem!

Actually Kaladze played bad even partnered with Nesta in 2007/08. His best time 3-4 years ago in the season he began to play CB regularly with Milan. Last year Bonera and Favalli made pretty good defence for Milan compare to what Kaladze+other did.

Originally Posted by Saliwonczyk

At 27, he is going to learn more slowly, and that is another major downside. Atleast Silva is still 25.

I agree. He is 27 years old and not much he can learn except tactical ability and phiscological things like self confidence. With how people description about him, Nesta or Silva should be able to cover Onyewu weakness since both are smart at reading the game and have good technique.

Originally Posted by Saliwonczyk

What I have seen from Silva is that he thumps the ball clear as well!! YOu must really dominate your opponent if you are to properly get the ball to another midfielder, and that rarely happens. Lets just be grateful if they can constantly clear it out of danger!

I don't think so. Ok, I only watched him a couple of games and mostly were friendly games but from his characteristic of defender, he won't just sweep the ball when he gets it since he has very good technique and self confidence.

Originally Posted by Saliwonczyk

Also, how are Thiago Silva's aerial skills?

He is only around 184 cm but he has great aerial skills.

I think I like him now

http://images.google.com.au/imgres?i...%26start%3D240

I think I like his gf much better

Originally Posted by Nalx

I think I like his gf much better

Yes, he has the ability to lure pretty women, wonder if he has the right amount of skills to play for Milan?

Originally Posted by Mystik

Wish him all the best, not what I was expecting in terms of the world class defender that was supposed to replace Maldini (?). Never really watched him play, I'll still hope for Santacroce but I doubt we'll get him seeing as we have so many CB's now.

My last hope is Kaladze is sold and Santacroce bought in now. Like nefremo I have major doubts though now.

Originally Posted by hwmook

Ok let's make things clear, his newcastle partner is Titus Bramble, the worst crap to be called a defender IMO. What can you do when your partner is so crappy? I don't think you can be so horrible and keep one of the best attacking team quiet in Conf Cup.

He is a good transfer IMO. We really need to get rid of dead weight like Kala, Favalli. Nesta, Silva, Bonera are the only 3 CBs i would keep in the team together with Onyewu only make 4 players.....

I agree Bramble was an embarassment of a partner, but let's not beat around the bush, Onyewu at Newcastle was really not a solid defender and looked a mess himself, never mind Bramble.

Originally Posted by Saliwonczyk

For those who say this player is slow, they are terrbily mistaken. He has this unique speed to him, almost like.... teleportation!

In an international against Mexico, he takes a massive throw (as long as a cross) from the boundary, into America's attacking box. The header is deflected, and Donovan hits it back in high. That's is when, alomost like lighning, Onyewu is in the centre of the box to header it past Ochoa.
So, yes, he is fast, but in a different way.....

See this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khQDt...eature=related

He had 7-8 seconds between his throw in and the ball coming back to him. In that time he had to cover maybe around 15 yards? It's really not very hard to do that.

I might seem like I have something against Onyewu, but really it's not the case, I wish him all the best, especially now that he's with us. What annoys me about this transfer is we're getting a player who until now hasn't shown anything in his career. In addition to this, what are we sacrificing? I've mentioned in other posts about the new generation of players having a lot of promise, with Santacroce being the most obvious talent, but also Zapata and Bochetti. These guys are young, have immense talent and all are likely to go on in the future to become high quality players challenging for top honours. Onyewu after all these years doesn't even come close to these guys.

People have and will argue about us needing Onyewu's physical presence. I will simply say that the physique of a defender doesn't necessarily make him a good defender for crosses. History has some good examples of players who aren't known for their towering height but managed dominate well in the air (e.g. Cannavaro, Baresi, Bergomi). Quite possibly Milan's greatest ever backline (and potentially the best backline ever) was Tassotti, Costacurta, Baresi and Maldini. None of them were dominating players in the air so to speak, yet we never used to talk about the problems of us being weak in the air when they playerd together.

Originally Posted by ACMILAN1983

My last hope is Kaladze is sold and Santacroce bought in now. Like nefremo I have major doubts though now.



I agree Bramble was an embarassment of a partner, but let's not beat around the bush, Onyewu at Newcastle was really not a solid defender and looked a mess himself, never mind Bramble.



He had 7-8 seconds between his throw in and the ball coming back to him. In that time he had to cover maybe around 15 yards? It's really not very hard to do that.

I might seem like I have something against Onyewu, but really it's not the case, I wish him all the best, especially now that he's with us. What annoys me about this transfer is we're getting a player who until now hasn't shown anything in his career. In addition to this, what are we sacrificing? I've mentioned in other posts about the new generation of players having a lot of promise, with Santacroce being the most obvious talent, but also Zapata and Bochetti. These guys are young, have immense talent and all are likely to go on in the future to become high quality players challenging for top honours. Onyewu after all these years doesn't even come close to these guys.

People have and will argue about us needing Onyewu's physical presence. I will simply say that the physique of a defender doesn't necessarily make him a good defender for crosses. History has some good examples of players who aren't known for their towering height but managed dominate well in the air (e.g. Cannavaro, Baresi, Bergomi). Quite possibly Milan's greatest ever backline (and potentially the best backline ever) was Tassotti, Costacurta, Baresi and Maldini. None of them were dominating players in the air so to speak, yet we never used to talk about the problems of us being weak in the air when they playerd together.

Senderos was a bumbling giant, so yes, your theory is of course correct. Onyewu came free, so no loss there. There is still a chance that this man is a late bloomer and could prove to be good. If not, so what?

Thing is, the our purchases for our defense can't stop here, no matter what MGT. thinks of Onyewu.