[KillerMax]

Discuss our new player here.

(IMG:http://media3.acmilan.com/uploads/dwh/multimedia/923-2.jpg)

[KillerMax]

I personally didn't know anything about him as a player until some weeks ago. Correct me if I am wrong, but he has been our most expensive purchase so far, right? If someone can fill us in with the details of his transfer in this thread, I'd appreciate it.

Watch this:

http://youtu.be/WeAA2dOoBT0

He looks fast and with good composure in front of the goal. He has a similar way of placing shots like Kaka. I am personally looking forward to what he can do for us. What I personally like about him from what I saw in that video is that he doesn't look a timid player and that quality really counts in a big team like Milan.

[acid911]

Awesome music, even though I have heard it 20,000 times before. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Pure sound!

Technically, if this guy clicks, I can somewhat agree with Galliani and Allegri that we are complete and set as a team and don't need anyone else. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Granted, less said about the current state of the midfield the better, but like I said, this is if (a very big, if at that) El Shaarawy clicks. It's a big test in a player's first year, not many have passed it.

[KillerMax]

El Shaarawy injury mystery

Milan will be without Mathieu Flamini, Philippe Mexes, Pippo Inzaghi or the mysteriously injured Stephan El Shaarawy for the Italian Super Cup.

The Rossoneri fly out to Beijing for the clash with Inter on August 6 and El Shaarawy was hoping to make his official debut.

“He had only one training session at Milanello and then had to stop,” explained Coach Massimiliano Allegri.

“Unfortunately, he won’t be coming to Beijing. Flamini won’t be there either, which is a shame, as he was one of the players in best shape.

“We have to calmly evaluate Inzaghi’s situation, while Mexes is certainly out. We’ll have the defender back at the end of September.”

The others have long-term injury issues, while Flamini picked up a muscular problem last week.

El Shaarawy was one of the big signings of the summer from Genoa and much was expected of ‘The Little Pharaoh,’ but he is yet to play in the Rossoneri jersey.

The Corriere dello Sport suggests the teenager is suffering from a knee inflammation, but information is scarce.

Football Italia

***

Awesome. Another player with "mysterious" injuries in Milan.

This post has been edited by KillerMax: Jul 30 2011, 07:06 PM

[X-Offender]

Why exactly is it mysterious? He had one training session and got injured, where's the mystery in that?

[KillerMax]

Why exactly is it mysterious? He had one training session and got injured, where's the mystery in that?

This:

"The Corriere dello Sport suggests the teenager is suffering from a knee inflammation, but information is scarce."

[Guest_Leandro Akoni_*]

That's odd and mysterious. Get quite puzzled.

[Dracoris]

Anyone other than the bot know how to properly pronounce his name? I feel like I get it wrong ever time I read it, haha.

[il_diavolo_mtl]

El-Sha-how're-ree

[Dracoris]

El-Sha-how're-ree

Thank you kind sir!

[Johnny W.]

Actually, it's pronounced

El Sha-Ra-Wee

[acid911]

Actually, it's pronounced
El Sha-Ra-Wee

Yup. And I've also heard it pronounced "Al Sha Ar Way". (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif) Oh, and welcome by the way, Johnny. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Boy, you took your time to make your first post. Anyway, enjoy your time here in the forums, man!

[Johnny W.]

Yup. And I've also heard it pronounced "Al Sha Ar Way". (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif) Oh, and welcome by the way, Johnny. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Boy, you took your time to make your first post. Anyway, enjoy your time here in the forums, man!

Haha, I'm usually just a forum lurker.
Thanks for the welcome! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[acid911]

Haha, I'm usually just a forum lurker.
Thanks for the welcome!

Anytime, man. Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) And oh, lurkers are our customers too, LOL. A lot of Milan fans just sign up and take a look from outside the window. Anyway, hope to see more of you around, whenever you can spare some time and are in the mood to post. More customers (meaning AC Milan fans) we have, the better.

[X-Offender]

El Sharaawy's agent said that his asset is not taking part in any games lately because the Milan athletic stuff is trying to make him stronger physically by increasing his muscular mass. He also said that El Sharaawy will stay with us for sure.

Link

I hope that clarifies things. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[TriniKing_CE]

El Sharaawy's agent said that his asset is not taking part in any games lately because the Milan athletic stuff is trying to make him stronger physically by increasing his muscular mass. He also said that El Sharaawy will stay with us for sure.

Link

I hope that clarifies things. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Hopefully he doesn't get injured as often as Pato does due to a sudden increase in muscle mass.

[il_diavolo_mtl]

El Sharaawy's agent said that his asset is not taking part in any games lately because the Milan athletic stuff is trying to make him stronger physically by increasing his muscular mass. He also said that El Sharaawy will stay with us for sure.

Link

I hope that clarifies things. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

i thiink they should go through this with all the Primavera players. Verdi especially!

[Rossoneri7]

Hopefully he doesn't get injured as often as Pato does due to a sudden increase in muscle mass.

They do growth program for all our scrawny players ... Pato did some as did Kaka when they both respectively arrived.

Problem is, it has lead to players getting frequent injuries, I hope he doesn't suffer the same fate.

[dst]

oh so we've been feeding him pills, good to know.

[il_diavolo_mtl]

oh so we've been feeding him pills, good to know.

well i doubt we left El Sharaawy on Joe Rogan's doorstep...

[Zed.D]

Pato hails El Shaarawy

Alexandre Pato has been left impressed by the ability of Milan new boy Stephan El Shaarawy. “He’ll be a better player than me!”

The attacking midfielder, who will only turn 19 in October, joined the Rossoneri this summer from Genoa in a co-ownership deal.

“I really want to play alongside him,” the Brazilian told Milan Channel. “He’s a boy who will do better than me – I’m sure of that.”

Pato may get his wish this weekend as an injury crisis means that the club’s attacking options against Napoli are limited.

Boss Massimiliano Allegri can only count on Pato, Antonio Cassano and El Shaarawy for the San Paolo showdown.

El Shaarawy, an Italian Under-19 international whose father is Egyptian, has only appeared in three Serie A games during his career.

Pato isn't really good at predictions, but everyone says El's got potential. I can't wait to see him in action. if he doesn't get a few minutes while Ibra and Binho are out and Cassano looks awful, I don't know when he can.

[TriniKing_CE]

Just noticed this kid's birthday is a day before mine (although just a couple years younger) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[acid911]

Just noticed this kid's birthday is a day before mine (although just a couple years younger)

Define couple. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[TriniKing_CE]

Define couple. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Hahaha... well it certainly wasn't to be taken literal, but 4.

[acid911]

Hahaha... well it certainly wasn't to be taken literal, but 4.

Cool. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif) You're quite young, truth be told, I had imagined you to be in your late 20s, really.

[TriniKing_CE]

Cool. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif) You're quite young, truth be told, I had imagined you to be in your late 20s, really.

I'm that boring huh! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Anyways, here's a clip from training for you guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7SKRUxKF2Y

The kid's clearly got the skills, let's hope that he puts them to good use. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[X-Offender]

Hopefully tomorrow.

[acid911]

I'm that boring huh!

Boring is one word. Sensible is another. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Or maybe we can say mature. And how about sane and mindful. In short, you signed up a day before me, and I am yet to see you needlessly quarral or fight with anyone here. EPIC.

Hopefully tomorrow.

A.M.E.N. He came across as quite raw in the last match, let's see what he does today! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Go Pharaoh!

[X-Offender]

You haven't exactly quarreled with anyone either, now have you acid? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[acid911]

You haven't exactly quarreled with anyone either, now have you acid?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) What does my avatar icon tell you? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Smilies, all round, man, smilieis all round!

[Jack Sparrow]

acid is pu$$y. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)


*runs for the hills*

[acid911]

Nope. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I like to think that everyone is fighting a hard enough war, a tough battle with life. I, on my part, should not be complicating it further by poking in. However, if a situation arises when I have to sleeve up and fight, or quarrel, argue with someone (for the right cause, not what I think it right, but what I know is right), then it's showtime!

It takes two to tango, but if I take care to not be one of it, then there is one less fight in this world. Besides, when to people are arguing on something, or fighting over a small thing, then truth usually lies somewhere in the middle. Both aren't necesserily right, but both aren't wront either. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Anyway, if you hjave no control your emotions, then well there is little difference between you and other life forms - namely animals.

Come back, Mr. Pirate, I won't hurt you (much). I promise!

[Jack Sparrow]

Phattoooo! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (Not sure if that exists in the dialect you speak or if it's pure Indian slang)

[acid911]

Phattoooo! (Not sure if that exists in the dialect you speak or if it's pure Indian slang)

I think it does, though not very sure of the meaning. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) It could mean different here, and different in India.

[Zed.D]

Anyone got a link of his goal? I couldn't catch the game last night...

[Jack Bauer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUC8-xRvPeE

[han2503]

Cassano has 3 assists in 3 games so far, even when he's cr@p he's brilliant (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[William405]

El Shaarawy wants Milan for life
Stephan El Shaarawy has committed his career to Milan just a matter of months after arriving from Genoa.

The youngster, who will turn 19 on October 27, joined the Rossoneri in the summer on a co-ownership deal.

“If I have to be honest, I want to stay at Milan forever rather than one day playing my football abroad,” he told Leggo.

“At the end of the day I have always had a weakness for Milan, ever since I was a little boy,” added the Italian Under-19 international.

The attacking midfielder, who has an Italian mother and an Egyptian father, has been used sparingly so far by boss Massimiliano Allegri.

“I want to convince Allegri that I am a first team player,” he added. “I hope to play and score as much as possible, that is my objective.

“I want this Milan chance. Even if I don’t play that often, at least I will still have the opportunity to train with champions.”

El Shaarawy made his debut in the 3-1 loss at Napoli, before scoring in the 1-1 with Udinese three days later.

I like this kid.

[kurtsimonw]

Not to say he doesn't mean it, but we've heard it all before. Every fan has.

[il_diavolo_mtl]

With robinho back to his horrible finishing, pato hurt as well and Cassano's well documented medical problem, I do believe the time is now for El Sharaawy to prove his Market value of 20M in the upcoming games. Here's hoping he steps up and gets involved in our buildup.

This post has been edited by il_diavolo_mtl: Nov 2 2011, 11:48 PM

[Jack Bauer]

Shaarawy: "I see myself as a second striker, and so does Allegri. He helps me a lot and gives me plenty of advice."

So don't expect to see him as AM.

[X-Offender]

Shaarawy: "I see myself as a second striker, and so does Allegri. He helps me a lot and gives me plenty of advice."

So don't expect to see him as AM.

Found Cassano's replacement. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

[Jack Bauer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltVodL-B2ZQ

[TriniKing_CE]

Good display of confidence and skill. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[drucurl]

How do you guys rate his pace....initially before he came to Milan the articles said that he had Kaka-like pace or playing style or something...can't remember. I'm not a good judge of speed so I thought I'd ask the good ppl of Milanfan.com (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[milanbuf88]

How do you guys rate his pace....initially before he came to Milan the articles said that he had Kaka-like pace or playing style or something...can't remember. I'm not a good judge of speed so I thought I'd ask the good ppl of Milanfan.com (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I haven't seen him run in space too much but he definitely has a great first step.

[han2503]

Yeah, we haven't really seen him hit top gear, but he has a great touch as well as a decent shot from what I could see.

[William405]

Wow,he looked great in that video!Seems like our much needed AM solution,don't know why he would want to play as a second striker,as he would have to sit behind 4 great attackers.(probably 5)I'd play him over Emmanuelson any day,though,he looks destined for greatness ;D

[il_diavolo_mtl]

AC Milan youngster Stephan El Shaarawy is set for a loan spell in Germany with Koln as he looks for first-team opportunities, according to a report in Italy.


Sky Sport Italia claims that the German outfit are looking to take the former Padova attacker on a loan spell that will either last for six or 18 months.

The 19-year-old has found his path to the first team at San Siro blocked by the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Alexandre Pato, while the likely arrival of Carlos Tevez will push the teenager even further down the pecking order.

Meanwhile, Koln have found themselves reliant on Lukas Podolski for goals this season and coach Stale Solbakken is eager for another striker to ease the scoring burden on the Germany international.

El Shaarawy has scored one goal in seven Serie A appearances for Milan this season.

[William405]

Stephan El Shaarawy is prepared to stay at Milan despite a lack of playing time at San Siro so far this season.

The 19-year-old has been linked with a January exit given that he has made just eight League appearances since his summer switch from Genoa.

However, after appearing in last night’s 1-0 derby loss to Inter, the Italian youth international is prepared to be patient.

“A loan move did enter my thinking,” the attacking midfielder, who has an Egyptian father, commented.

“However, although I am not playing, I am improving by training alongside so many champions on a daily basis here.

“I’m being included in a lot of things and I am very happy at this club. I hope to stay here forever.”

The talented youngster, who spent last season on loan at Padova in Serie B, is actually part-owned by Genoa. He was linked with a Marassi return last week.

We need to integrate him into our system,he's soooo talented.

[kurtsimonw]

I'd start him next game. He showed more in the first 10 seconds he was on the pitch than Robinho/Pato/Ibra did all game.

[han2503]

I'd start him next game. He showed more in the first 10 seconds he was on the pitch than Robinho/Pato/Ibra did all game.

He better at least start in the Coppa game next Wednesday!

[Zed.D]

+1. you could see El's reaction after Robinho missed his assist. the kid's full of determination and he does have talent for sure. if I were Allegri, I'd play him. maybe not from the start but I'd give him more than 10 freakin' minutes. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[il_diavolo_mtl]

+1. you could see El's reaction after Robinho missed his assist. the kid's full of determination and he does have talent for sure. if I were Allegri, I'd play him. maybe not from the start but I'd give him more than 10 freakin' minutes. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

el sha' should be seen as an AM option as well, surely if Boatang & Emanuelson can play Am, Stephan can definitively add a dimension to the position we haven't seen since Kaka'. Don't misquote me in saying "he is as good as kaka" but they do play very similarly, and with Ibra dropping back most of the time, we need more service to our forwards...

[han2503]

el sha' should be seen as an AM option as well, surely if Boatang & Emanuelson can play Am, Stephan can definitively add a dimension to the position we haven't seen since Kaka'. Don't misquote me in saying "he is as good as kaka" but they do play very similarly, and with Ibra dropping back most of the time, we need more service to our forwards...

I get what you're saying and I completely agree with you.

If Urby is an AM in Allegri's eyes than everyone is. I still can't get over how stupid it is to play him there. Surely if a bunch of idiots like us can see it, than someone getting paid to do the job can see it as well...

But apparently not (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Zed.D]

Just saw his goal, GOOD ONE!

[CHU-LIP]

I get what you're saying and I completely agree with you.

If Urby is an AM in Allegri's eyes than everyone is. I still can't get over how stupid it is to play him there. Surely if a bunch of idiots like us can see it, than someone getting paid to do the job can see it as well...

But apparently not (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

You just don't understand it / see it differently.

No reason to talk about stupidity and so.

[han2503]

You just don't understand it / see it differently.

No reason to talk about stupidity and so.

Lol, sorry chu, but from all of us you seem to be the only one that understands the stupidity, yes I'll say it again, complete and utter stupidity behind playing Urby in the attacking midfielder position.

Please enlighten us all because all of us seem to be missing something in that case as I haven't seen one member who understands this decision on Allegri's part, especially his insistance on it after it fails time after time

[Jack Sparrow]

@HAN: (and this is my understanding of the situation)
Urby is not being seen as the player who makes the final pass...which unfortunately is what we look for in a CAM. He is seen as a player who can move the ball and make interchanges very quickly in the final third. Basically act as a mobile conduit for our attacking orchestra comprising - our strikers and our mid-field runners.

Do I agree with it? No. Because this is a very one-dimensional approach to attack, and while it works swell with small teams, with top teams with top coaches who can change tactics in a snap just like us, we're begging to be shut down.

[han2503]

@HAN: (and this is my understanding of the situation)
Urby is not being seen as the player who makes the final pass...which unfortunately is what we look for in a CAM. He is seen as a player who can move the ball and make interchanges very quickly in the final third. Basically act as a mobile conduit for our attacking orchestra comprising - our strikers and our mid-field runners.

Do I agree with it? No. Because this is a very one-dimensional approach to attack, and while it works swell with small teams, with top teams with top coaches who can change tactics in a snap just like us, we're begging to be shut down.

It doesn't work well with either jack. We struggled against Atalanta with it and made a mess against Inter as well. In the Coppa against Novara we made a meal out of what should have been an easy win

The reality is that Urby has been nothing short of terrible in that position, and imo the guy is being made to look bad because he's not adapt to playing in such a position, if he's given a chance to play in midfield I think he can do very well as he's shown us some glimpses of what he can do but he's simply ristricted to playing terribly in a position he just cannot handle.

What's ironic is the fact that when Allegri wants to insist on something he's hard headed, even if it just does not work. Yet on other occasions, like giving certain players a decent chance to prove themselves he just does not allow it.

[CHU-LIP]

Lol, sorry chu, but from all of us you seem to be the only one that understands the stupidity, yes I'll say it again, complete and utter stupidity behind playing Urby in the attacking midfielder position.

Please enlighten us all because all of us seem to be missing something in that case as I haven't seen one member who understands this decision on Allegri's part, especially his insistance on it after it fails time after time

I think I am able to see things from different ways better than some other people. So I try to look it both at your way and Allegri's. Since I don't have to explain your way to you, I will try to do Allegri's. I think something like this:

About Emanuelson: he actually plays well in a consistent way, which I didn't expect him to be able to when we signed him. Obviously he has grown as player since his arrival here. A plus about him is that he is very hardworking, which is an important fixture for a midfielder. Reason to use Emanuelson as AM is he defends a lot. When you put a more attacking player like El Shaarawy, I guess that will happen less. Now, I have never seen El Shaarawy as AM. So far he has only played as forward for Milan (I heard he played as AM for a Serie B side, but unless I actually saw him doing that myself, I cannot use that since it's different from being Milan's AM in Serie A and CL than in Serie B ), which he obvious can do well. I do wonder what he offers as AM, but I can't say he will be the right choice for that, I mean: on what can I base that? So I wonder: why doesn't Allegri use him as AM?

I assume Allegri doesn't use him as AM, because he probably will track back/defend less than Boateng and Emanuelson. It seems to me he wants an AM he can trust especially in the defending aspect of the game. For a forward Robinho works very hard and tracks back a lot, so he gets to play there sometimes too. I guess Robinho does that better than El Shaarawy, even though I never seen him play as AM, so I wouldn't know, but I try to understand Allegri's decisions. I do like to see El Shaarawy as AM, so I can judge myself. So far I know El Shaarawy at least is a very good young forward. He clearly has a future as an forward. And as AM? Idunno/can't judge. He does have at least some nice attributes for it, so I guess he could become a good AM also, but I simply don't know. And maybe you guys are right he would be better AM than Emanuelson because of all the quality/skills El Shaarawy got (much more than Emanuelson). It could be because Milan's midfield is weak (in both defensive way and possession way) that he chose the safer (more defending) Emanuelson?

And obviously, Emanuelson is not a typical AM, and it has downsides to play him there. Though he really gives his all every minute, which is good, he simply is nothing more than an average player. Clearly Milan still has no proper typical AM, or it's the poor midfield why so no El Shaarawy, which is a shame.

This post has been edited by CHU-LIP: Jan 19 2012, 03:44 PM

[William405]

Emmanuelson gives his all?the guy plays without heart (when on the ball at least) imo.
And,expecting a lot of defending from an AM mid is wrong anyway,attacking is the best way to defend and to avoid pressure.AM shouldn't have to defend a lot.

[CHU-LIP]

Emmanuelson gives his all?the guy plays without heart (when on the ball at least) imo.
And,expecting a lot of defending from an AM mid is wrong anyway,attacking is the best way to defend and to avoid pressure.AM shouldn't have to defend a lot.

If you don't have enough midfielders defending, it will end up going badly. And with our poor midfielders, I think we need the AM to support the other midfielders and defenders in defending.

Leonardo had a very attacking Milan. There were too many players who didn't defend or at least not enough. As a result we were humilated over and over again against good sides.

If you demand only to attack from your AM and forwards, it looks nice against poor sides, but you get humilated against a good one. And we simply don't have the midfielders to have an AM who won't defend. Van Bommel gets very little support from his fellow midfielders when it comes to conquering the ball back, and then you got a problem. Because then it are the opponents who attack, and you with your attacking skilled players can look at them scoring goals. Yay!

This post has been edited by CHU-LIP: Jan 19 2012, 06:14 PM

[han2503]

I think I am able to see things from different ways better than some other people. So I try to look it both at your way and Allegri's. Since I don't have to explain your way to you, I will try to do Allegri's. I think something like this:

About Emanuelson: he actually plays well in a consistent way, which I didn't expect him to be able to when we signed him. Obviously he has grown as player since his arrival here. A plus about him is that he is very hardworking, which is an important fixture for a midfielder. Reason to use Emanuelson as AM is he defends a lot. When you put a more attacking player like El Shaarawy, I guess that will happen less. Now, I have never seen El Shaarawy as AM. So far he has only played as forward for Milan (I heard he played as AM for a Serie B side, but unless I actually saw him doing that myself, I cannot use that since it's different from being Milan's AM in Serie A and CL than in Serie B ), which he obvious can do well. I do wonder what he offers as AM, but I can't say he will be the right choice for that, I mean: on what can I base that? So I wonder: why doesn't Allegri use him as AM?

I assume Allegri doesn't use him as AM, because he probably will track back/defend less than Boateng and Emanuelson. It seems to me he wants an AM he can trust especially in the defending aspect of the game. For a forward Robinho works very hard and tracks back a lot, so he gets to play there sometimes too. I guess Robinho does that better than El Shaarawy, even though I never seen him play as AM, so I wouldn't know, but I try to understand Allegri's decisions. I do like to see El Shaarawy as AM, so I can judge myself. So far I know El Shaarawy at least is a very good young forward. He clearly has a future as an forward. And as AM? Idunno/can't judge. He does have at least some nice attributes for it, so I guess he could become a good AM also, but I simply don't know. And maybe you guys are right he would be better AM than Emanuelson because of all the quality/skills El Shaarawy got (much more than Emanuelson). It could be because Milan's midfield is weak (in both defensive way and possession way) that he chose the safer (more defending) Emanuelson?

And obviously, Emanuelson is not a typical AM, and it has downsides to play him there. Though he really gives his all every minute, which is good, he simply is nothing more than an average player. Clearly Milan still has no proper typical AM, or it's the poor midfield why so no El Shaarawy, which is a shame.

Imo, he has none of the attributes required to play such a position, and I don't see our midfield as weak. We already deploy 2 DMs, 1 more than any other top side. That is more than enough, expecting the AM to also be some sort of runner/battler is just ridiculous and a bad small team mentality. You know, "better you run you @ss off and avoid defeat rather than trying to win" (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

El Shaaraw, Robinho, etc. All are better AM options than Urby, Robinho works his @ss off far more than Urby. He's not even a striker, Allegri classifies him as such and imo, we need to keep him as far away from goal as possible. He's always beena cross between a winger and second striker, his best season was under Capello when he played him out wide on the left at Real. Simply because he removed that pressure of scoring, plus Robinho's runs are just integral to the attack. Last season his best spell came when he was used behind the strikers. El Shaa as well could have huge potential playing in the hole. Yet Allegri insists on a player who just last season was playing at LB/LW for Ajax, it's just laughable. And no matter what you say, you won't be able to justify it to anyone here, as everyone can see that Urby simply offers nothing for us in that position, he's a passenger for most of the game when he's played there

If you don't have enough midfielders defending, it will end up going badly. And with our poor midfielders, I think we need the AM to support the other midfielders and defenders in defending.

Leonardo had a very attacking Milan. There were too many players who didn't defend or at least not enough. As a result we were humilated over and over again against good sides.

If you demand only to attack from your AM and forwards, it looks nice against poor sides, but you get humilated against a good one. And we simply don't have the midfielders to have an AM who won't defend. Van Bommel gets very little support from his fellow midfielders when it comes to conquering the ball back, and then you got a problem. Because then it are the opponents who attack, and you with your attacking skilled players can look at them scoring goals. Yay!

You simply cannot make comparisons to Leo's Milan. That was an unbalanced, un-co-ordinated mess. Leo played a 4-3-3, with only Ambro covering the defence and Seedorf and Pirlo in midfield. That might have been ok in the Carlo days but 2 seasons ago, that was a big no no as none of those players could keep up with such demands a formation like that put upon them. Even worse, he played Pato and Dinho on the wings, neither of which are renowned hard workers.

On the other hand under Allegri we play with 2 DMs, one of which is VB, who reads the game far better than Ambro and than Nocerino who provides a lot of energy to the midfield. Add to that we play 4 in midfield, whether that Robinho/Urby/Prince or whoever else Allegri might decide to play there on any given day, it's still a 4 man midfield, we never play with 3 attackers, simply because whoever plays at AM is asked to hold his position and keep the midfield compact. This is why I always insist with you that whether the player has 'ST' next to his name like Robinho it just does not matter as his job decription becomes what Allegri requires of him when he's played in the hole

[KillerMax]

Stephan El Shaarawy is my new favorite player. I look forward to seeing a lot more from him.

[Danny]

Stephan El Shaarawy is my new favorite player. I look forward to seeing a lot more from him.

I liked him a lot last night. His touch for the opening goal was brilliant, and while it sorta deflected through, his through ball for the second was visionary.

He has a big chance to make it - definitely has the talent.

[Jack Sparrow]

Important he keeps his head on his shoulders. We ought to wrap him up in cotton wool.

[han2503]

Important he keeps his head on his shoulders. We ought to wrap him up in cotton wool.

Hopefully they don't ruin him like they've ruined Pato. They've already put him through one round of strength training. I just don't trust our medical team.

[il_diavolo_mtl]

http://football-italia.net/node/15082
nice (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[TriniKing_CE]

There ain't nothing wrong with being a mama's boy (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

(IMG:https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/421029_10150679450416948_345458901947_11069286_1641561875_n.jpg)

[William405]

Sharaawy might get a called up to the senior italian national team,since he wasn't called up for the U21 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Jack Bauer]

http://youtu.be/87T87zn6DJk

[Jack Bauer]

In NBA there's a term - 'rookie wall'. Meaning that after a hot start, a young player might experience some difficulties. I think El Sha hitting the rookie wall right now.

[acid911]

Well he did score in the last Coppa match, against Juventus. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) And besides, like they say, you don't get to the top by succeeding. You need to fail, too. And the more spectacularly the better. Failure is the new success! I still have big hopes for this guy, he needs to play every now and then, and find his way.

[amancik]

Well he did score in the last Coppa match, against Juventus. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) And besides, like they say, you don't get to the top by succeeding. You need to fail, too. And the more spectacularly the better. Failure is the new success! I still have big hopes for this guy, he needs to play every now and then, and find his way.

I agree that he's experiencing some difficulties, but it's not like he's been entirely useless in recent matches. It's just that the intensity of balancing UEFA CL, Serie A and Coppa Italia are too much for a young kid. But the fact that's he's been playing from the start shows that Allegri has faith that he will be somebody huge in the future.

[acid911]

I agree that he's experiencing some difficulties, but it's not like he's been entirely useless in recent matches. It's just that the intensity of balancing UEFA CL, Serie A and Coppa Italia are too much for a young kid. But the fact that's he's been playing from the start shows that Allegri has faith that he will be somebody huge in the future.

Very true. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) He's perhaps the only real speedy player we have, apart from Pato. Then again, it's been a while since I've seen the duck really take off with speed. It would be great having Pato and El Shaarawy starting together and ripping defenses apart.

[William405]

He's still a youngster so having an impact on the game will not be easy,but he's surrounded by champions and he has great potential,sounds like a winning formula.

[acid911]

Yes, and it's been a while since we've had a teenager starting matches. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif) All the best to him!

[Zed.D]

Not totally unexpected.

I think some people were a little too quick to get excited after a handful of great performances from the kid and jump on the "Pato who, we got El Sha!" bandwagon. not defending Pato who's been a total mess recently, but he did much better and was much more exciting when he was 19 (he just couldn't pass the ball properly and still can't!). it'll be a matter of time before some of the supposed fans of El Sha will turn against him if he continues having this disappointing form.

That said, I like El Sha as much as anyone else here and would love for him to become the next big thing for us. technically he has what it takes to become that, he just needs to learn from every single mistake he makes (so far he hasn't but you can't expect everyone to learn as fast as Messi).

[drucurl]

Not totally unexpected.

I think some people were a little too quick to get excited after a handful of great performances from the kid and jump on the "Pato who, we got El Sha!" bandwagon. not defending Pato who's been a total mess recently, but he did much better and was much more exciting when he was 19 (he just couldn't pass the ball properly and still can't!). it'll be a matter of time before some of the supposed fans of El Sha will turn against him if he continues having this disappointing form.

That said, I like El Sha as much as anyone else here and would love for him to become the next big thing for us. technically he has what it takes to become that, he just needs to learn from every single mistake he makes (so far he hasn't but you can't expect everyone to learn as fast as Messi).

TOTALLY agreed. The kid is good but NOWHERE in Pato's class. That's not to say that he wouldn't surpass him because of the injury and possible differences in mentatlity.

That said a totally fit and focused Pato has only the sky as the limit.

El S ishaarawy is excellent but his tecnhique and touch isn't what the "old" Pato used to have anyway neither is he nearly as fast. He's not slow but he won't get past Ramos Evra, Cole, Alves etc on pace

[acid911]

Well I'm just glad we have a youngster coming through. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Futile to compare him to Pato, just like it's no use comparing Strasser and Merkel to our established stars. Each kid will carve his own path, but nevertheless it's great to see some fresh, young, blood every now and then. Preferably with fast legs to go with it.

[Guest_Suhail 3_*]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs7ib1WXQNg

haha (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Any akhi's (brothers) able to translate this (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) my arabic isnt so good.

[TriniKing_CE]

Swide Interview with...

Stephan El Shaarawy: The Boy Pharaoh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQmatFvP1fE&hd=1

[Rossoneri7]

Swide Interview with...

Stephan El Shaarawy: The Boy Pharaoh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQmatFvP1fE&hd=1

What is the secret of success?
-To remain humble regardless of how successful you are and to remain a good person regardless of your goals and ambitions.
-A champion is particulary in football terms, a real champion is some one who can stay humble, constant even if he wins everything.

Stephan El Shaarawy

[il_diavolo_mtl]

Interviewed by Sky Sport 24, AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy has declared: "With Balotelli in the National team? Maybe in the next World Cup. It's certainly one of my goals for the future. And maybe also at AC Milan, I would really like to. He is a great player who is doing very well at Manchester City. He could do great things with us".

[William405]

Stephan El Shaarawy is looking forward to leading the new Milan and admits Zlatan Ibrahimovic “was a little heavy-handed” in the locker room with his teammates.

The ‘Little Pharaoh’ is going to be given more of a role at San Siro after Ibra was sold to PSG.

“I like Massimiliano Allegri, as he gives me space and says I need to improve, which is true,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Last year people said he didn’t have faith in me, but in the end I did make 28 appearances. I am satisfied with the opportunities I had. I could’ve scored more than four goals, but that’s fine and I know that I have to work as hard as possible.”

Ibrahimovic took on the teacher role of sorts for El Shaarawy, often spotted shouting at him during games.

“I know, he never wants anyone to make a mistake and at times was a little heavy-handed, but he was doing it to motivate me and keep me fired up. Besides, he did it with everyone, not just me.

“Let’s say Ibra was an important presence on the field and in the locker room... Nobody wants to even lose the training games between ranks here, as it’s a battle every day.

“We won many games without Ibrahimovic, you know. We are a team and not a bad one. We’ve got less quality without him and Thiago Silva, but there will be more responsibility on everyone’s shoulders and we can build here. I am optimistic.”

Milan have shown their interest in Kaka and should hold negotiations with Real Madrid over the next few days.

“I’d love to know Kaka and learn from him, as I’ve heard he is a great man. Naturally, he’s also an incredible player,” added El Shaarawy.

“Of my current teammates, I get on really well with Antonio Cassano, as he always sends you clear in front of goal. Robinho is technically very gifted, though he makes a few mistakes in front of goal.”

Finally, the Italian-Egyptian revealed why he keeps his trademark mohawk hairstyle.

“Ibra and Cassano threatened to cut it off a few times, but never got scissors in their hands. The girls really like it, so I keep it...”

[milanbuf88]

I really like his attitude in everything I've read from him. Seems to have a good head on his shoulders. I'm looking forward to him taking a big step forward this season.

[acid911]

I really like his attitude in everything I've read from him. Seems to have a good head on his shoulders. I'm looking forward to him taking a big step forward this season.

Except his hairdo. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) The girls really like it, he says? Somebody's feeding him the wrong intel.

[dst]

In relative terms, he is the worst 15m youngster I've seen.

and the one with the worst haircut surely.

[Jack Sparrow]

I don't know what's wrong. It's been some time since we had a truly explosive young talent. And it's not coz we loan them out. Very few of the people we loaned out have ever come good, which leads me to believe that's why we let them go in the first place.

I mean Abate seems to be the best of a bad bunch, and that's not good news.

[han2503]

I think it would be waaay too premature to declare El Shaa as "bad" after we saw one game from him this season. I think it's too much pressure for him to be starting games and expecting to be performaing like Zlatan FFS. The team has no leaders in it, it's not an ideal situation for him to thrive in

[X-Offender]

We should have never let Merkel go. Now that's what I call a prospect.

[CHU-LIP]

Sell Merkel? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

Oh... I would be pissed if we co-own him someday... I can't wait to see Merkel in a few years (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

I think it would be waaay too premature to declare El Shaa as "bad" after we saw one game from him this season. I think it's too much pressure for him to be starting games and expecting to be performaing like Zlatan FFS. The team has no leaders in it, it's not an ideal situation for him to thrive in

Agreed. Yet, I cannot but forget his half-blooded performances last year as well. What seems to be lacking is extra motivation and energy.

[dst]

I never said he's bad. But he's the least good of the omg-we-paid-all-that-money-for-a-teenager club.

[amancik]

I never said he's bad. But he's the least good of the omg-we-paid-all-that-money-for-a-teenager club.

I don't recall we having done that before except Pato.

[dst]

I did not mean just for Milan.

[amancik]

Right my bad. But you got a good point there.

[Zed.D]

El Shaarawy on life with Ibra
By Football Italia staff

Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy has revealed some of the ways to survive in the Rossoneri dressing room alongside some of his more illustrious teammates.

In an upcoming interview to be published on Thursday, the 19-year-old tells of his fear of former Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his hair and girls' new found attention in him.

“It’s difficult to be appreciated by him, but I felt worse. The secret is to pass him the ball, or he starts to growl. You need to know how to relate to him. Otherwise he plays tricks on you.

“When Rino Gattuso noticed I used to shave my eyebrow he started to kick my *** and said 'you only must think to play, you understand?'

“I was asked to cut my hair as soon as I arrived at Milanello. Someone also asked me in the dressing room, but one of my teammates defended me and said, 'if Hamsik, Neymar and Cisse can have it, why can’t he' in front of everyone. Then the debate was closed.”

The former Genoa player also spoke of the pressures of professional football. “I thought it was easy to not fall for the things surrounding fame, instead it is hard. When you see football players everybody thinks - how can they be so arrogant? I thought about it a thousand times.

“Then fans find us and ask for photos and autographs and you feel pumped up, even if you don’t want to. You arrive in Serie A and instantly the attention is multiplied around you. Luckily my father helps keep my feet on the ground.”

Brief but interesting interview.

[Jack Sparrow]

Yeah..the cut my hair comment was a bit disturbing. Someone actually spoke up against a senior player then? ****..I miss Paolo...