Well, what about Seedorf (who made a awfull performance), Pato, Amelia/Abbiati and Robinho? That pretty much leaves us to those you're referring - Rino in first place, second Yepes who somehow did not explode, Flamini and Ibra. So it's not such a big list at all IMO.

Granted, Abate joins the attacks and pulls some of the players to his side. But his overall technique is frustrating; sometimes he has the perfect chance, and still, he manages to screw everything up. Sure, sides like Bari or Torin can afford to have such a player, he's useful in their system. But for us he's a waste; Milan shouldn't be reduced to speed and the fact that he gets attention from the opposing defenders, while his attacking overall is less then good. That's why I still rate Oddo - he's old, yes, and past his prime; but his defending ability makes him a tactical handout in moments when we have to defend and cement our right side. A combination of Oddo as RB and a quality young RDM (maybe Flamini) is what Milan should do more often IMO.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)


Robinho was fighting along with Flamini and the rest trying to shove Corluka off the pitch. Seedorf I do not really count because he goot off before it all exploded and yes, you're right I forgot Pato in that list.

As for Abate and Oddo, I agree with you when you say that Oddo is the better defender, I never really said he wasn't. and to me it really has nothing to do with age, I believe that argument is shallow and pointless. Just talking about what I see on the pitch when the 2 play

I don't see how Oddo is the better defender. He's better at positioning? What good does that do if you're crap at anticipation? He's old, slow, clumsy. His long balls are a pain in the @ss. He rarely goes forward, and he can't dribble past the opponent. Abate might not be Milan quality, and I've never claimed so, but for me at least he's 90% better in everything Oddo does.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) old, slow and clumsy.
Well, Abate is inprecise, can't dribble at all, his crossing is horrendous, his tackle clumsy and inpatient.

But hey, let's stop, it's becoming annoying. We don't agree. IMO Zambrotta is the only real fullback we have, he's a starter, while the others are either bench or transfer material. You'd say it's Oddo who should leave, I say it's Abate. Minimal difference in fact.

What we need is a world class playmaker ala Kaka , Rui Costa, ... Our midfield is too uncreative to support our strikers. I think with players like Xavi and Iniesta our strikers would keep scoring game after game. As much as Antonini and Abate have fighting spirit , technically they are so bad they dont deserve to be starters at Milan. Too think there were times Cafu , Serginho and even Maldini played in their positions.

I truly believe we can win the scudetto this year , even tough it wil be very hard. But to be competetive in europe , milan must have quality players in every position.

My 2cents after a long absence , and since i'm here ; forza milan !

Welcome back, Nova. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Nice to see you back Nove. And I completely agree with you

(IMG:http://i52.tinypic.com/apfww5.gif)

Apparently talks are running rife of a new Milan dream-team of Mario Balotelli, Paulo Henrique Ganso and Sergio Ramos. No Pato in there. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) There may be some truth to the RM swap rumor, after all. Me not likey. If Pato can't play along with Ibra, then that is no reason to send him away.

Balotelli? And we're complaining with the characters we have now?! I'd love to see some real talent from this kid rather than constantly hearing about his 'potential'.

I hear ya. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Apparently, being a self-professed Milan fan is a valid enough reason for our management to sign people up. This, or that Riola fella is taking Galliani for a ride. I wouldn't even take two Balotellis for one Pato. Not only is that guy less talented, but he is a can of trouble. No thanks, I'll pass.

Hehe, I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Balotelli in 2-3 years time. The guy is pure class, he just doesn't want to show it yet.

The same (or a bit less) class that we already have in Pato, but without the mental issues and the personality. So we have to ask ourself: WHY?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/swear1.gif) You should really find something better to do then correcting my posts (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)


I'd take him without a 2nd thought, that being said, not in the expense of Pato. If we lose Pato now, we'll regret it in 4 years time I'm 100% sure of this

It's an honor reading your posts again. Nice to see the greek contingent rise again here. That's a good step in the right direction.

I remember when Milan bought Bonera from Parma he was also labelled as a potential great defender. Yet playing along with Maldini and Nesta he actually never developed into a great defender. In my oppinion not even a good defender.

And i honestly believe that this makes the difference in the end. I really believe we have too many players who really should not be playing at Milan. If Seedorf can be a starter , something is clearly wrong. With all due respect to Seedorf and i'm gratefull with the things he did for Milan, but he is becoming ( or is ) too slow and quite honest he's way past his "expiry date". Yet he plays as a number 10 in a very important position but match after match he doesnt deliver.

Abate and Antonini cant dribble , pass , cross , shoot , etc ... even if their life depended on it. They have spirt , i agree , lots if it , but is that enough to play for our beloved club ? When i saw Beckham play , i was shocked how precise his crosses could be. Yet Abate and Antonini find it hard to pass a ball further then 5 meters.

I really am so happy we have Ibrahimovic , Robinho , Cassano and Boateng. But let's be honest , should we be depending on them only ? Should we be totally helpess without them ? I would like to see Milan have a close to perfect starting 11 and a reliable bench.

All I know is that we should allready be about 10 points clear from second place . Lets be honest , if there ever was a year to win the scudetto , its this year , its like the other teams are handing us free points on a silver dish. Yet somehow we fail to capitalisize because Abate doesnt know how to clear a ball against Roma ,or Bonera gets hammered by Udinese , etc etc ... Those were the chances to put ourselves above the rest , and at the end those points lost will make the difference between winning and losing the scudetto.

This post has been edited by Nova: Feb 19 2011, 05:58 PM