[han2503]

Allegri plans Milan shuffle

January will apparently see Massimiliano Allegri look to adopt a new tactical system with Milan, to incorporate Keisuke Honda but not Stephan El Shaarawy.

Speculation from the Corriere dello Sport today indicates that the Rossoneri will develop a 4-2-3-1 system from the turn of the year, if Honda’s anticipated arrival from CSKA Moscow goes through.

Putting aside the team’s current 4-3-1-2 module, Allegri reportedly will opt for a shape placing Ricky Kaka, Honda and Mario Balotelli as three behind single striker Giampaolo Pazzini.

Pazzini is seen as Allegri’s preferred striker over Alessandro Matri, whilst the indication is that El Shaarawy’s first-team opportunities will be increasingly limited in this new system.

Nigel de Jong and Riccardo Montolivo would be the Rossoneri’s first-choice duel axis in midfield, backed by a defence set to include Adil Rami.

[Jack Sparrow]

This is pretty much the formation I've been suggesting for some time now.

And contrary to what the report says, this is not about letting go of SeS. SeS is a striker who can be used anywhere in that three behind Pazzo and he can deliver.

Balo on the wing is also not a bad move. He too prefers to start on the wing and move to the centre.

My only worry with the formation is how much defensive pressing the front four are willing to make.

[Danny]

And contrary to what the report says, this is not about letting go of SeS. SeS is a striker who can be used anywhere in that three behind Pazzo and he can deliver.

It depends how that 3 is setup. If it's a wide 3 with one central treq and 2 wingmen, SES will totally wasted. He's just not a creative spark and he's not a winger.

If it's a more compact and dynamic interchanging 3 then yes, he could thrive in it. But either way it's about regaining form and he's nowhere near that. One calendar year almost of sub-par displays suggests it's a pipe dream.

And I don't see any point 'giving him (yet another) chance' when we (will) have proven quality like Honda and Balo. The only part the jury is out on is Kaka.

For me SES is done. Can't remember last player who had a year of poor form to this degree but came back to be sensational. Having a quieter year, or inconsistent year - that's fine. Being downright poor for this length of time? Doesn't tend to bode well.