[Danny]

I feel like asking that question is almost a cliche now. Every year we wait for Pato to emerge from the shadows and realise that potential, and every year he lets us down - either via injuries or poor form.

Now while he's not an old man at 22, he's not the 18 year old we signed either - it is time this lad finally began to show his class regularly because we sure as heck don't appear to be signing a marquee striker to replace Ibrahimovic.

Is this guy going to be a perennial underachiever for us, or are there folks who believe he will finally become what his destiny suggests?

Admittedly there's the Babs baggage as well, which probably means we're 'stuck with him' anyway, but there's no denying on his day he is a scintillating striker. It's just a pity he's as fragile as glass in both form and body.

[X-Offender]

All my hopes lie on Pato for this season. With his injuries (supposedly) fixed and Ibra gone, he has all the freedom and possibilities to step up and become a world class player for us.

[acid911]

If not now, then when?! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) He doesn't have to tear down the world, but a season like 2008-09 I expect, at least.

[Jack Sparrow]

Won't be enough. We need Pato to hit 20 goals this season, with or without a new striker signing.

[han2503]

Pato is not Ibra, he cannot pull goals out of his @ss at will. He will need a strong AM behind him to supply him with constant service and a Cassano or Robinho at his side to support him.

If we can't provide Pato with that than he'll struggle, injuries or no injuries

[Zed.D]

a marquee striker

Is marquee your favorite word? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) you use it a lot.

+1 @ what X-Off said. with Ibra gone, there can be no "reason" for Pato to under-perform other than possible injuries. I'm using "reason" instead of "excuse" because I think Ibra in fact did have a negative effect on Pato. but as han said, he needs support. IMO Cassano, Prince, El Sha and good full backs will do the trick. add Kaka to that and it'll be perfect for him. in his defense he's a bit more than a tap-in guy. support doesn't mean he needs chances served on a silver platter to score. unless I'm the only one who remembers him in these 4 years...

As always, the only thing I'm worried about is injuries. but that doesn't even seem to be an issue when he's away from Milan...

[X-Offender]

If not now, then when?! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

Next year? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[acid911]

Next year?

Eh, that'll only give his critics/detractors more ammo. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Provided he can shrug off the injuries for extended periods through the season, I expect 200% from Pato, not a percent less. He's practically the face of our club - unless Kaka somehow arrives - and this year, I want him to behave like one.

I do, however, agree with the marquee (ha!) statement Zed.D made about him and Ibra not working together.

[Danny]

Is marquee your favorite word? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) you use it a lot.

I like it. Yes, it might even be my favourite word in this context (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Danny]

Pato is not Ibra, he cannot pull goals out of his @ss at will. He will need a strong AM behind him to supply him with constant service and a Cassano or Robinho at his side to support him.

If we can't provide Pato with that than he'll struggle, injuries or no injuries

Strong AM being Boateng. But end of the day, it all means squat if Pato cannot hit the ground running and remain at sprint level.

[Danny]

Eh, that'll only give his critics/detractors more ammo. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Provided he can shrug off the injuries for extended periods through the season, I expect 200% from Pato, not a percent less. He's practically the face of our club - unless Kaka somehow arrives - and this year, I want him to behave like one.

I do, however, agree with the marquee (ha!) statement Zed.D made about him and Ibra not working together.

I think X Off was making a little joke relating to the fact every year we say 'next year' about this topic.

[Fillipo Simone]

Think this whole topic should be added to the Pato-thread.

[acid911]

I think X Off was making a little joke relating to the fact every year we say 'next year' about this topic.

I believe so. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) But at 22, there is no better time to shoulder some serious responsibility. I wouldn't mind Pato not only scoring goals but setting them up for teammates as well. He's the go-to striker for the time being.

[kurtsimonw]

He'll have a slow start, blamed by his Olympic travelling. He'll then get injured. Half way through the season it will be "Pato's 2012 just hasn't been ideal off the field for him to do well on it". He'll probably be okay from Jan-May 2013.

[acid911]

He'll have a slow start, blamed by his Olympic travelling. He'll then get injured. Half way through the season it will be "Pato's 2012 just hasn't been ideal off the field for him to do well on it". He'll probably be okay from Jan-May 2013.

Quoted for reference. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Danny]

Think this whole topic should be added to the Pato-thread.

Yeah well I kinda feel the entire structure of the forum should be changed.

I don't mean that in a narky way, I just feel, as others do, the current structure is absolutely crap - and not worth abiding by.

I mean what in God's name is the point of telling posters where they can and can't post threads? There should not be dedicated threads which limit subject detail; nor should anyone need permission to post a new thread.

Ok, way off topic here.

Carry on.

[Fillipo Simone]

Did I tell you what to do or not? It's just that it's way easier to follow up all these discussions in the basic threads. I almost missed this one out, sheer luck helped me to find it. But do it your, way...it was only meant as a suggestion.

[Danny]

Did I tell you what to do or not?

No, but by implication the structure of the forum did.

It's just that it's way easier to follow up all these discussions in the basic threads. I almost missed this one out, sheer luck helped me to find it. But do it your, way...it was only meant as a suggestion.

It's not easier at all. If I want to talk about something specific, I have to find a 'general' thread about things in that vague category.

Which, frankly, is rubbish.

By your/the forum's logic Jack's FFP thread didn't belong in here either.

I'm not having a go at you, just consistently irritated by the format of the board, which no one has any power to alter.

[Fillipo Simone]

Well, one person has the power to alter it.

Anyway, I get partially where you're coming from, but still believe this talk belongs to the Pato thread.

[Jack Sparrow]

@Danny:

The trouble is not in a piece like yours entirely. Which is almost an op-ed in newspaper speak.

It's coz eventually this goes off topic, and people start discussing other matters, resulting in information being all over the place.

For eg. this could go into Pato's relationship with Barbara. Then Barbara's own management. Then from there to possible transfer targets. And so on...

That being said, most of our members are indeed quick to cross post so as to get the discussion in the right thread.

So I don't think you got much to worry about for the moment.

But when you say you wish to change the 'structure' of the forum. What do you mean exactly?

[Danny]

Well, one person has the power to alter it.

Anyway, I get partially where you're coming from, but still believe this talk belongs to the Pato thread.

If you get where I'm coming from, you'll understand my disinterest in the last part of your comment.

[Danny]

Jackie boy.

Ah you Indians are so adorable.

Ok, in a nutshell...

I wanted to discuss the issue of Pato and it constantly being a cliche that it's 'his' year. I didn't want to add it as a single post in a 'Pato' thread because it may well get lost in among conversation about other things, as often happens.

Hence I felt it justified to start a thread of its own.

What I am trying to say is the current layout of the forum dictates that there's a finite range of discussion matter - that if you want to chat about Computers, you go into the computing thread. What if you want to discuss general technology, or an iPhone, or bananas? There is no thread which covers these. Or if there is, they get easily lost.

Off Topic is a key example; you don't need 'the official xxx thread' - it should be open ended so people can just start a thread on anything they like rather than feeling obliged to restrict themselves to existing topics, in the hope that the subject they wish to matter is covered by an existing thread.

Then there's the issue of permission to post threads in certain boards. That it's restricted to ranked members is slightly absurd.

I'd accept post count, if someone earned the right to start a thread after maybe having made 20 posts, but that certain people cannot start threads is a bit backwards.

Thing is, I feel like this post will fall on deaf ears in your case because I am under the impression you either aided or supported the current structure during its conception.

But plenty of others really aren't thrilled with this, but why the hell am I on about it again when the only person who can change it is never on or willing to do anything?

I'm stopping now, because I've gone on about this enough times in the past.

Like urinating into a monsoon.

[Jack Sparrow]

Jackie boy.

Ah you Indians are so adorable.

Ok, in a nutshell...

I wanted to discuss the issue of Pato and it constantly being a cliche that it's 'his' year. I didn't want to add it as a single post in a 'Pato' thread because it may well get lost in among conversation about other things, as often happens.

Hence I felt it justified to start a thread of its own.

What I am trying to say is the current layout of the forum dictates that there's a finite range of discussion matter - that if you want to chat about Computers, you go into the computing thread. What if you want to discuss general technology, or an iPhone, or bananas? There is no thread which covers these. Or if there is, they get easily lost.

Off Topic is a key example; you don't need 'the official xxx thread' - it should be open ended so people can just start a thread on anything they like rather than feeling obliged to restrict themselves to existing topics, in the hope that the subject they wish to matter is covered by an existing thread.

Then there's the issue of permission to post threads in certain boards. That it's restricted to ranked members is slightly absurd.

I'd accept post count, if someone earned the right to start a thread after maybe having made 20 posts, but that certain people cannot start threads is a bit backwards.

Thing is, I feel like this post will fall on deaf ears in your case because I am under the impression you either aided or supported the current structure during its conception.

But plenty of others really aren't thrilled with this, but why the hell am I on about it again when the only person who can change it is never on or willing to do anything?

I'm stopping now, because I've gone on about this enough times in the past.

Like urinating into a monsoon.

Well, I completely have no problem with your discussion in this case. What I meant about the op-ed thing.

The problem is I see the risk of this thread slowly forking for another thread into Pato information. For eg. Pato gets a contract extension. Or Pato linked to another club. Or something else. It's just gonna come into this discussion.

In such a situation, it just becomes a deluge of forked information. Making it harder to consolidate.

Sure, at some such state, a mod could just merge threads. Which is what we're doing at the moment.

I maintain once again, you're free to open up whatever you like.

Most of the post count limits were coz it was the only way we could keep bots out.

As for the current structure...it was in place a long time ago. The only changes, you see the current crop of members take part in was the pinned, new guidelines thing. That was when we almost had civil war here. Long story.

[han2503]

Strong AM being Boateng. But end of the day, it all means squat if Pato cannot hit the ground running and remain at sprint level.

Boateng is not an AM though. This silly tactic might have worked with a creative force like Ibra upfront but now we'll struggle big time with it.

[X-Offender]

Allegri's obsession of playing Prince behind the strikers is absurd. Even more now that the guy wears the #10 on his shoulders, he feels like a trequartista more than ever, which he's not!

[Fillipo Simone]

Allegri's obsession of playing Prince behind the strikers is absurd. Even more now that the guy wears the #10 on his shoulders, he feels like a trequartista more than ever, which he's not!

+1

[Danny]

He's not a treq, I agree, but he surely is an AM? What else is he? You guys aren't going to call him a CM or a striker are you?

[X-Offender]

He's not a treq, I agree, but he surely is an AM? What else is he? You guys aren't going to call him a CM or a striker are you?

Box-to-box mifielder would be the accurate name.

[han2503]

He's not a treq, I agree, but he surely is an AM? What else is he? You guys aren't going to call him a CM or a striker are you?

An AM and a trequartista are the same to me. You cannot play behind the strikers if you do not have the qualities of a trequartista, which first and foremost are creativity, vision, touch and great passing technique. Boateng has none of those qualities.

As x-off appropriately called him, he's a box-to-box guy. He's got the energy, pace, shot, eye for goal that would make him a perfect box-to-box solution for us. Instead we use Nocerino to fill that role

[kurtsimonw]

An AM and a trequartista are the same to me.

I always felt that a treq was more what you said and an AM was just a more advanced box-to-box player. I wouldn't call Lampard a treq, but he can definitely play as an AM. His passing is fine, just not maybe the same as a Sneijder.

[Fillipo Simone]

Naah, it's the same thing.

[han2503]

I always felt that a treq was more what you said and an AM was just a more advanced box-to-box player. I wouldn't call Lampard a treq, but he can definitely play as an AM. His passing is fine, just not maybe the same as a Sneijder.

Lampard is a top class passer imo, not to mention he has the vision and composure to pull it off.

Lampard was a box-to-box guy earlier in his carreer but he has the finess to pull of playing the position because he's not just that anymore.

[acid911]

Let's just say that a trequartista is always an AM, but not all AMs are trequartistas. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Being an attacking midfielder is pretty much the basic requirement of the trequartista position.

[CHU-LIP]

As x-off appropriately called him, he's a box-to-box guy. He's got the energy, pace, shot, eye for goal that would make him a perfect box-to-box solution for us. Instead we use Nocerino to fill that role

Nocerino is a better box-to-box midfielder than Boateng. Everything you say, Nocerino got that as well.

Boateng is an attacking midfielder or even forward to me, not a box-to-box midfielder. He is hopeless when playing too deep. Nocerino at times as well, but Boateng even worse. They lose possession way too easily, and are very bad in conquering the ball (tackling included). Nocerino against Real Madrid, after his beautiful assist, when in midfield position he was a disaster. He couldn't even receive the ball properly. What's that for a first touch? Boateng when he was deep also looked bad. It seems like their heads are on tilt when they play deep.

Boateng has been always at his best when being a part as the most three advanced players (the forwards, as one of the forwards thus). Am I the only one who sees him fail when playing (deeper) in midfield (than AM)?

[Fillipo Simone]

All in all it's just sad to see the number 10 going to someone who clearly isn't up to it, behavior included. I remember my dad telling me how special the 10 is at Milan and how it creates a wonderful circle; how it is important to select the right bearer. It was worn by Savičević, then Boban, then handed to Rui Costa. It seems it all ends with Seedorf.

[kurtsimonw]

Numbers don't mean what they used to though. Remember Bergkamp retired and Gallas took the #10. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

Numbers don't mean what they used to though. Remember Bergkamp retired and Gallas took the #10. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Well, at Milan they did. Which is sad.

[CHU-LIP]

All in all it's just sad to see the number 10 going to someone who clearly isn't up to it, behavior included. I remember my dad telling me how special the 10 is at Milan and how it creates a wonderful circle; how it is important to select the right bearer. It was worn by Savičević, then Boban, then handed to Rui Costa. It seems it all ends with Seedorf.

So far since Prince took number 10, so I'm referring to our pre-season, he has been poor. Nocerino, Robinho, Emanuelson and Cassano all look better in our attacks, even though the latter may get worse from now on. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I believe the combination Prince and Zlatan was perfect. It's going to get a lot tougher for Prince to do as well. With Zlatan, Prince didn't have to be that creative attacking midfielder. Now we do need one. (We can't rely on Cassano.)

This post has been edited by CHU-LIP: Aug 12 2012, 05:53 PM

[Danny]

I wouldn't call Prince a BTB mid either tbh - I disagree he covers that much ground.

He's not a trequartista, because he doesn't have the vision for the pass or indeed dribbling skill. But he does a brilliant job of supporting attacks and linkup play at that end of the field. And scores plenty goals.

Lampard is a good comparison actually.

[CHU-LIP]

I wouldn't call Prince a BTB mid either tbh - I disagree he covers that much ground.

He's not a trequartista, because he doesn't have the vision for the pass or indeed dribbling skill. But he does a brilliant job of supporting attacks and linkup play at that end of the field. And scores plenty goals.

Exactly like that. Not a trequartiste, neither a box-to-box, but one who supports attack. We had a very dynamic attacking trio existing of Ibrahimovic, Cassano/Robinho and Boateng. On paper Boateng is put as AM, but meh, it was more like three forwards being everywhere. When put deeper (for box-to-box role) Boateng is not one of the three most advanced players which hurts his preformance (way more defensive duties - not good), also when he was in great form not only he failed in deeper midfield (for some reason put there during a match), but also our attack was nowhere close to what it was with Boateng. So why should we even want to move Boateng to a real midfield role?

[X-Offender]

Exactly like that. Not a trequartiste, neither a box-to-box, but one who supports attack. We had a very dynamic attacking trio existing of Ibrahimovic, Cassano/Robinho and Boateng. On paper Boateng is put as AM, but meh, it was more like three forwards being everywhere. When put deeper (for box-to-box role) Boateng is not one of the three most advanced players which hurts his preformance (way more defensive duties - not good), also when he was in great form not only he failed in deeper midfield (for some reason put there during a match), but also our attack was nowhere close to what it was with Boateng. So why should we even want to move Boateng to a real midfield role?

Whilst I agree that Boateng has been rather poor when played as CM, I also say that most of his success as AM came from Ibra's presence. The guy (Ibra) played as striker, movement forward and playmaker for us, all at the same time, during his stay, and it was all thanks to him that the various Boateng, Nocerino and Robinho could thrive. Without him around any longer, I seriously question if Prince can do what he's done as AM in the past two seasons. It's a quite pickle, really. Maybe we should just sell him. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[CHU-LIP]

Whilst I agree that Boateng has been rather poor when played as CM, I also say that most of his success as AM came from Ibra's presence. The guy (Ibra) played as striker, movement forward and playmaker for us, all at the same time, during his stay, and it was all thanks to him that the various Boateng, Nocerino and Robinho could thrive. Without him around any longer, I seriously question if Prince can do what he's done as AM in the past two seasons. It's a quite pickle, really. Maybe we should just sell him. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

100% agreed. That all is what I've been thinking too.

Boateng is a quality player, but if a team offers 28 mio, and we now need a creative AM...

[Fillipo Simone]

Yep, for that kind of money I'd sell him. Gee, we could have sold Ibra and Boateng. I'd be happy with almost anyone leaving other then Silva and Pato. Silva especially, he really showed love, passion and class which is rare nowadays at AC.

[William405]

Yep, for that kind of money I'd sell him. Gee, we could have sold Ibra and Boateng. I'd be happy with almost anyone leaving other then Silva and Pato. Silva especially, he really showed love, passion and class which is rare nowadays at AC.

+1

[X-Offender]

+1000

[Zed.D]

+3

[acid911]

Gee, we really need a 'Like' button. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Really, we do!

[Milan Are Brilli...]

I wouldn't sell KPB, not even for that amount. Not all down to his ability but also the way our transfer deals have gone this summer, no chance. It would be another colossal loss and another where we see barely any return on the sale going on new talent.

[han2503]

I wouldn't sell KPB, not even for that amount. Not all down to his ability but also the way our transfer deals have gone this summer, no chance. It would be another colossal loss and another where we see barely any return on the sale going on new talent.

Agreed

[dst]

Don't know about this finally being Pato's year but I think it might be his final year.

[CHU-LIP]

Don't know about this finally being Pato's year but I think it might be his final year.

At Milan?

[Jack Bauer]

Pato has two years left on his contract. Won't sirprise anyone if he will be sold next summer if he can have a relatively injury free season.

[Fillipo Simone]

At this point anything is possible. So I find it rather unproductive talking about the numerous possibilities we could do next summer.

[X-Offender]

At Milan?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

[William405]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Danny]

Any Milan fan talking up the idea of selling our one remaining marquee player just because we're having a wee debate about how to play him is, imo, a tad misguided.

In fact, yer all nuts.

He is, quite simply, a must-keep player. Our best player. The one player we have who can win matches on his own. He's one of Europe's most under rated players and I'd like it to stay that way.

In this market he's a £50M+ player - we'd be bonkers to sell.

[acid911]

In this market he's a £50M+ player - we'd be bonkers to sell.

Considering the duds who have floated around in the EPL these past years, I have to agree. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Pato is the de facto face of the club, but the fact remains that he is also a golden duck (both literally and figuratively). He along with Boateng and Mexes are, for better or for worse, the three guys the management could sell for good price.

I can practically see B&G have discussions when (not if) to sell them any given Sunday. Sad.

[X-Offender]

Considering the duds who have floated around in the EPL these past years, I have to agree. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Pato is the de facto face of the club, but the fact remains that he is also a golden duck (both literally and figuratively). He along with Boateng and Mexes are, for better or for worse, the three guys the management could sell for good price.

I can practically see B&G have discussions when (not if) to sell them any given Sunday. Sad.

I believe that Danny was talking about Boateng. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[acid911]

I believe that Danny was talking about Boateng.

Could very well be, and I thought of that too, but this is Pato's thread, after all. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) And well, Boating is not the one to win us matches all on his own, he's good for the hustle and the occasional wonder strike. I guess Danny is the only one who can clarify who he was talking about.

But the sad bit through it all is that we have only one or two players that can be labeled AAA. Most others are just A, B or B-, though in all fairness, a couple of them have yet to reach their best. How the mighty have fallen!

[X-Offender]

Any Milan fan talking up the idea of selling our one remaining marquee player just because we're having a wee debate about how to play him is, imo, a tad misguided.

We were talking about how to play Boateng, not Pato. And I also say this because I know Danny is a Boateng fan.

[acid911]

Makes sense, then. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

Could very well be, and I thought of that too, but this is Pato's thread, after all. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) And well, Boating is not the one to win us matches all on his own, he's good for the hustle and the occasional wonder strike. I guess Danny is the only one who can clarify who he was talking about.

But the sad bit through it all is that we have only one or two players that can be labeled AAA. Most others are just A, B or B-, though in all fairness, a couple of them have yet to reach their best. How the mighty have fallen!

I like the phrase, but I don't like to affiliate it with the club (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) I guess, during the Madrid game, I saw a semi-spineless Milan .. One with only Ambro and Abbiati whom I can relate to ... Pato will get his shot this season, hopefully he can shake off those ankle injuries that keep bugging him .. I rest my faith on him exploding this year!

After-all, Kaka did it the season Shevchenko left us (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

Semi-spinless you say? I can't relate with Abbiati at all. Ambrosini is the only player left I have a special feeling about. Pato I like, but it's not the same. Can't relate to any of the other players.

[Zed.D]

Don't know about this finally being Pato's year but I think it might be his final year.

You could say, either this is finally Pato's year or it's his final year. and that'd be true (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

You could say, either this is finally Pato's year or it's his final year. and that'd be true (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Actually, no. I see it differently:

Either this is Pato's year which means it's his final - because we're gonna sell,
or it's not Pato's year again and we're stuck with him.

[Zed.D]

If Pato stays healthy for the most parts of the season, he'll get his goals. for me that's a given. especially with Ibra gone he should get his confidence and consequently his shot back. but I don't know if scoring ~15 goals would mean it's been his year. we have bigger expectations from him.

If he does really well, I think we'll find someone else to cash in on and hold on to him. if he does OK/well but not spectacular, it's different. he might be sold for a good offer (we'll renew with him first so we'll have an excuse to sell him (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) )

[Fillipo Simone]

We'll see.

[Rossoneri7]

Actually, no. I see it differently:

Either this is Pato's year which means it's his final - because we're gonna sell,
or it's not Pato's year again and we're stuck with him.

I think all the big spenders out there have a very formidable front line, hence his departure should be mitigated like that. However, his salary is low in comparison and as such that could push for a transfer come next season, if he improves his showings for the club.

As for the Ambro/Abbiati ... Well, I guess even this Ambro looks toothless without Seedorf, gattuso and the likes by his side ... Now, just as many on here hoped for, the team is rid of the old and in with the new younger players. I don't have a good feeling about it, but I trust the management to construct a team just as they have dozens of times before (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

I miss those homegrown Italian players Milan used to introduce in the last decades most. I think a big mistake was made in the transitional period. It is partly a mistake, an partly bad luck. I'd be much happier if we had some talents like De Sciglio or Paloschi earlier introduced in the team. I wanted Maldini, Seedorf, Gattuso and the others to hand out the torch. But it all ended so badly. Some were sold, some proved to be less good then expected and other young players...well, never came.

[drucurl]

I guess Menzez saw what he was missing by benching the duck all those times (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

[Danny]

Sorry, yes, I was talking about Boateng. In this current market he's a £50M+ player. If Pato could get consistency and form, then he would be up there in the same bracket.

I cannot agree Mexes is though. I think he's a good defender but not a great one. He and Yepes as our defence next season is cause for mild depression.

[X-Offender]

Sorry, yes, I was talking about Boateng. In this current market he's a £50M+ player. If Pato could get consistency and form, then he would be up there in the same bracket.

I cannot agree Mexes is though. I think he's a good defender but not a great one. He and Yepes as our defence next season is cause for mild depression.

^ We've signed Zapata.

[Fillipo Simone]

^ We've signed Zapata.

We'll see how it will work. Bear in mind that he wasn't exactly breathtaking for the past 2 seasons. I know you rate him, I do as well. But I've seen many CB's not making the step forward necessary for a starter at Milan.

[X-Offender]

We'll see how it will work. Bear in mind that he wasn't exactly breathtaking for the past 2 seasons. I know you rate him, I do as well. But I've seen many CB's not making the step forward necessary for a starter at Milan.

I just meant to say that right now our starting pairing is Mexes and Zapata, not Mexes and Yepes.

[Fillipo Simone]

I just meant to say that right now our starting pairing is Mexes and Zapata, not Mexes and Yepes.

Based on what?

[X-Offender]

Based on what?

Based on the fact that they're our best central defenders? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) I mean, do you rate Bonera or Yepes better than Mexes and Zapata?

[Fillipo Simone]

Based on the fact that they're our best central defenders? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) I mean, do you rate Bonera or Yepes better than Mexes and Zapata?

I don't know, I cannot rate Zapata till I see him play. How can I say he's our best defender when I haven't even seen him in training, let alone play a match.

Same thing was with Taiwo. People tend to project a players success at another league/club with automatism. Last season everyone harped how Taiwo is our best leftback, how he will be a starter. Well...the guy turned out to be a big mistake and made...5 or less appearances.

[X-Offender]

Well, I can only assume that we signed Zapata to replace Silva. Based only on that assumption, he should be a starter. Besides, you cannot compare his situation with Taiwo's. Zapata has 6 years of Serie A experience, where he's been a very reliable defender. Just one bad season with Villareal in a foreign league doesn't automatically turn him into a question mark.

[Fillipo Simone]

Well, I can only assume that we signed Zapata to replace Silva. Based only on that assumption, he should be a starter. Besides, you cannot compare his situation with Taiwo's. Zapata has 6 years of Serie A experience, where he's been a very reliable defender. Just one bad season with Villareal in a foreign league doesn't automatically turn him into a question mark.

1) Well, that assumption is peripheral. We signed Oliveira as Shevchenko's replacement. Was he a starter? Ever?
2) Agreed, there are differences. Yes, Zapata has experience, which gives me a lot of hope. Still, this is his first real big club, and we'll see if he steps up or not.

All in all IMO we cannot give an assessment whether Zapata should be a regular starter or not, because we haven't seen him yet. For all I know, Mexes and Yepes are the best defenders we have at the moment. Maybe Zapata will step in, and take one place.

[X-Offender]

I rate Bonera higher than Yepes.

[acid911]

Maybe Zapata will step in, and take one place.

Then again, maybe Mexes will leave. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) And Zapata would have no trouble stepping in. Thank heavens, Yepes signed on for another year. Losing three top defenders (two of them ultimate in class) in one season?! Get out of here!

[Fillipo Simone]

I rate Bonera higher than Yepes.

Really? When did that happen? I think Yepes was and will be better.

[Danny]

I don't rate Bonera at all. He is nothing more than a decent squad player, useful in injuries or when we play Coppa. Nothing more.

I did forget about Zapata but I'm on Filipo's side here - just because you sign a theoretically good player does not mean he will fit in at your club.

Look at KJH - has a quite mercurial record with every club he's been with - even did decent at Real Madrid - but it just did not work for him at Milan. Taiwo too is another example - a bright player from Marseille but failed horribly here.

Let us see how Zapata gets on, but calling him a replacement for Silva is like calling Oliveira a replacement for Shevchenko.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Let us see how Zapata gets on, but calling him a replacement for Silva is like calling Oliveira a replacement for Shevchenko.

+1

[CHU-LIP]

Calling anyone a replacement for either Thiago Silva or Nesta will always be an insult in the first place. We have to continue with others though. I want Yanga-Mbiwa as replacement for Thiago Silva, and Zapata then will be replacement for Nesta/Mexes (depth wise along with Acerbi who also is new). Mexes leaving seems almost inevitable, but Yanga-Mbiwa would be worth it. He looks so very good, especially for his age. So focused, confident, good with the ball, pace, a quality defender. We really need him now Thiago Silva is gone. I hope him being captain at Montpellier reflects him having leadership. He already has played many games so he's not inexperienced.

I eye this as our new starting pair (backups): Zapata and Yanga-Mbiwa (Yepes, Acerbi and Bonera)

This post has been edited by CHU-LIP: Aug 17 2012, 06:09 PM

[Fillipo Simone]

It's still miles away from where we were last season - which wasn't perfect at all. I don't know, it looks rather grim.

[maldini03]

I feel we have no real leaders left, save for Ambro and Noce. I feel that a 20 goal haul from Pato and a year free from injury could help push him into that category for us.

This post has been edited by maldini03: Aug 18 2012, 04:42 PM

[Fillipo Simone]

Yeah, right, no leaders. That's what hurts as well, combined with a desolated defense and a uninspiring B-league midfield.

[m1ke]

If he can stay injury free, why not? He's clearly got the talent. The extra responsibility on his shoulders following Ibra's departure could work in his favour - but his consistency has always been the issue for me. It's frustrating because we've all seen what we can do when he's at his best.

Saying that, his scoring record is still very impressive for someone who's spent more time at the club in his teens than in his twenty's. I'm still not even sure where his best position is - I used to want him to play more as a deep lying forward. But a lot of the time he goes missing when he's doing that, and seems to do more damage when he's as close to the goal as possible.

Time will tell. I'd go as far as saying it has to be his year.

[han2503]

If he can stay injury free, why not? He's clearly got the talent. The extra responsibility on his shoulders following Ibra's departure could work in his favour - but his consistency has always been the issue for me. It's frustrating because we've all seen what we can do when he's at his best.

Saying that, his scoring record is still very impressive for someone who's spent more time at the club in his teens than in his twenty's. I'm still not even sure where his best position is - I used to want him to play more as a deep lying forward. But a lot of the time he goes missing when he's doing that, and seems to do more damage when he's as close to the goal as possible.

Time will tell. I'd go as far as saying it has to be his year.

If the club can get him a proper AM to support him, then he'll explode this season (if he stays injury free that is). If not, then I can't see how we'll get anything good out of Pato, or any of our attackers tbh.

[Danny]

ROME, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato suffered an injury in during work-out on Wednesday, the Italian soccer club revealed in a statement.

The Brazilian, 22, will now require a scan that will be taken in the coming days in order to assess the extent of the injury.

"AC Milan announces that during a game held in today's workout, Alexandre Pato has reported a problem with his left adductor. In the coming days further medical examinations will be made to determine the extent of the damage," the statement said.

Pato has now suffered as many as 16 separate injuries since arriving at San Siro in January 2008, limiting him to 113 appearances in Serie A.

Can anyone say they're surprised?

[Zed.D]

suffered an injury in during work-out

That's it. training routine, fitness coaches, maybe our equipment.

Can't they give him a personalized routine, are they fucking dumb? how many more injuries should he get before they realize something is not working.

Fucking incompetent club Milan have become.

Can anyone say they're surprised?

I'm not. I knew he'd be alright with Brazil and then injure himself as soon as he spent a week in Milanello.

[Danny]

Can't they give him a personalized routine, are they fucking dumb?

They did. They released an official news update that when he returned from the Olympics he did a personalised solo regime away from training.

So, no, they're not fucking dumb. They're trying desperately to fix him.

[kurtsimonw]

16 injuries in 4 and a half years. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

[X-Offender]

16 injuries in 4 and a half years. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

10 injuries in the last 2 years.

[kurtsimonw]

I think playing kids from a young age in tough leagues isn't a good idea. They aren't even fully developed and they're picking up injuries, it's not good for them.

[X-Offender]

I think playing kids from a young age in tough leagues isn't a good idea. They aren't even fully developed and they're picking up injuries, it's not good for them.

I think it's all our medical staff's fault for forcing his growth spurts, injecting him with hormones and whatnot. They should have let him develop normally. Now his muscles can't sustain the fatigue.

[Fillipo Simone]

I think it's all our medical staff's fault for forcing his growth spurts, injecting him with hormones and whatnot. They should have let him develop normally. Now his muscles can't sustain the fatigue.

But I also think the training sessions may be a problem.

[Jack Bauer]

His injury problems started before Allegri arrived to Milan. And let's not assume that our training stuff are bunch of idiots, I'm sure they are not working Pato extra hard because of his past and IIRC there was some special taining program made just for him in the end of last season. Maybe he should have taken some time off, he barely had a break this summer.

BTW, it was said that Pato missed over 500 days because of injuries since he arrived.

[Rossoneri7]

His injury problems started before Allegri arrived to Milan. And let's not assume that our training stuff are bunch of idiots, I'm sure they are not working Pato extra hard because of his past and IIRC there was some special taining program made just for him in the end of last season. Maybe he should have taken some time off, he barely had a break this summer.

BTW, it was said that Pato missed over 500 days because of injuries since he arrived.

Alvaro Recoba had a career plagued with injuries at inter too. Yes we were unlucky with injuries last term, but Pato's problem could be as a direct result of the growth hormones he was given (C.Ronaldo, Messi, Kaka, you name it, were given the same) ... The medical team has been changed for the past three seasons, due to consistent injuries with Pato in particular. Pato was sent to several specialized centers for treatment, yet he gets injured for the umpteenth time and we are still here debating on who to blame.