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AC Milan - Milanfan.com _ Players _ Montolivo

Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 22 2012, 01:45 PM

Welcome our new mid-fielder Riccardo Montolivo. Once upon a time, considered the next great Italian mid-fielder, but he's never reached the heights he promised.



http://www.whoscored.com/Players/9974/Show/Riccardo-Montolivo

NEWS SNIPPETS

QUOTE
Riccardo Montolivo has written an open letter to fans after he left Fiorentina for Milan earlier this month.

The midfielder signed a contract until 2016 with the Rossoneri last week after refusing to accept a new deal in Florence.

“Before beginning my Euro 2012 adventure with the national team, with the hope of being there as a protagonist, I would like to thank the Della Valle family, Fiorentina and Florence for all these wonderful and unforgettable seven years spent together,” he said on the club’s website.

“The memory of this experience will always remain in the heart. They were seven very intense years, full of joy and pain, satisfaction and tears, which saw us as protagonists in Italy and on the prestigious stage of the Europa League and Champions League.

“I will never forget the scream of joy when Gila [Alberto Gilardino] scored at Anfield [versus Liverpool], as I will never erase from my memory the twin battles, epic and unfortunate, against Bayern Munich.

“I was the captain of this team and I felt on my skin how important the armband was. I wore it with pride and passion, proud to be the reference point for my teammates and for the Viola.

“In life and in professions, relationships can break down and not always in an understandable and painless way for everyone. Behind every reaction, comment or opinion, I have always felt, however, that I have had the passion for this purple shirt that represents the true heritage of Fiorentina.

“There will be times, places and ways to remember my seasons in Florence and the choices made. Although some see me as an enemy, I can only wish joy and satisfaction to Fiorentina, Florence, to my former comrades and all the people who work every day in the club with passion and dedication.

“Finally, I’d like to send a greeting and a warm embrace to those who stood by me during these years.”

Montolivo, signed from Atalanta in 2005, has joined the Rossoneri on a free transfer.

Posted by: acid911 May 22 2012, 04:13 PM

Welcome. cool.gif Hope he can do some magic on the football pitch. Can't wait to see him play!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 24 2012, 07:28 PM

Yep. I do expect much of him. Milan was persistent in signing him, hopefully he'll turn out to be better then Aquilani at least.

Posted by: Zed.D May 24 2012, 08:30 PM

He looks like he could be Buffon's younger brother (or sister for that matter).
-
I've never rated him mainly because every time I've watched him, he's been underwhelming. normally he has very good technique, ball control, vision, passing, etc. his problem is more a matter of being a choker in bigger games.

Here's hoping he was just a late bloomer and does great things for us. I'm willing to give him that chance.

Welcome Ricky!

Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 24 2012, 09:03 PM

Don't even think of calling him Ricky! dry.gif That name is taken.

Posted by: CHU-LIP May 24 2012, 09:09 PM

Welcome, Riccky. smile.gif

Posted by: Zed.D May 24 2012, 09:12 PM

QUOTE (CHU-LIP @ May 24 2012, 11:39 PM) *
Riccky. smile.gif


Haha!

Posted by: William405 May 24 2012, 09:58 PM

His first step in "stepping up" is non other than the Euro 2012.The fiorentina case is behind him,fresh start with Milan,so he should be mentally ready,and hopefully do well.

Posted by: kurtsimonw May 25 2012, 08:25 AM

He's going to be a star for us.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 25 2012, 08:52 AM

He better be. We're running short of those...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 25 2012, 10:03 AM

QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 25 2012, 09:25 AM) *
He's going to be a star for us.

Sarcasm or?

Posted by: Zed.D May 25 2012, 12:11 PM

I think it's obvious. tongue.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 25 2012, 12:27 PM

QUOTE (Zed.D @ May 25 2012, 01:11 PM) *
I think it's obvious. tongue.gif

Touché devilsmiley.gif

Posted by: kurtsimonw May 25 2012, 01:47 PM

No sarcasm. smile.gif

Posted by: X-Offender May 25 2012, 04:03 PM

He has sort of faded away in the last couple of years, but I mainly blame it on Fiorentina and their tragic downfall. He should be able to express himself better in a quality team.

Posted by: TriniKing_CE May 25 2012, 11:55 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ May 25 2012, 11:03 AM) *
He has sort of faded away in the last couple of years, but I mainly blame it on Fiorentina and their tragic downfall. He should be able to express himself better in a quality team.

Hopefully so...

Posted by: rip Sep 3 2012, 11:58 AM

any news on montolivo's injury? unsure.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 3 2012, 04:35 PM

Seems like 2/3 weeks.

Posted by: KillerMax Sep 3 2012, 04:36 PM

FI reports 21 days for a thigh strain.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 3 2012, 04:42 PM

QUOTE (KillerMax @ Sep 3 2012, 04:36 PM) *
FI reports 21 days for a thigh strain.

Multiply that by 2 and you'll have a more accurate estimation of how long MilanLab will take to get him back

Posted by: Zed.D Sep 3 2012, 05:06 PM

Wrong.

He will be back in three weeks alright but will get injured again after 2-3 games. that's how Milan's injury curse works.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 3 2012, 05:10 PM

QUOTE (Zed.D @ Sep 3 2012, 05:06 PM) *
Wrong.

He will be back in three weeks alright but will get injured again after 2-3 games. that's how Milan's injury curse works.

Have you forgotten the infamous setbacks on return dates?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 3 2012, 05:50 PM

Let's hope for the best guys.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 29 2012, 09:03 PM

He's been nothing special so far. Very disappointed.

Posted by: han2503 Sep 29 2012, 11:02 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 29 2012, 09:03 PM) *
He's been nothing special so far. Very disappointed.

I think it's pointless to comment on the performances of individual players atm.

Nocerino: Terrible, DJ: Terrible, Monto: half decent, Prince: Terrible and it goes on and on. The team as a whole is struggling and we do not have a leader on the pitch that can drag the team to victories which results in better morale and form, thus resulting in better performances from everyone

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 30 2012, 01:15 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 29 2012, 11:03 PM) *
He's been nothing special so far. Very disappointed.

Of all the players that proved to be a let down, Monto actually isn't that bad. And that comes from me, not exactly his fan. At least he doesn't make the silly fouls Aqua used to do and has more determination. But what's there to expect? We're playing in a system in which Boban or Albertini would drown just like every fine-tuned creative mind does.

Posted by: acid911 Sep 30 2012, 01:16 AM

Yeah, but great players (or those destined for greatness) rise in such occasions. sad.gif Montolivo, like Aquilani, is another player cut from the cloth of mediocrity. And dare I say it, Aquilani was better in his first few matches here. With such a crisis situation here, I'd expect Montolivo to shine in all the darkness.

And a few of our players have, in limited capacity. The rest haven't like you said Han, plus the team as a whole.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 30 2012, 01:53 AM

Well, we knew that from day 1. He's no real creative force, he's just a number in our team. But he's useful nevertheless.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 30 2012, 02:25 AM

He's our only creative force, and I was expecting something more from him. Sometimes he looks clumsy with the ball, and I haven't noticed any interesting through/long balls from him. Just not enough.

Posted by: Ry4n Nov 24 2012, 01:27 PM

Over-rated. Still has a lot to prove.

Posted by: X-Offender Nov 24 2012, 04:10 PM

QUOTE (Ry4n @ Nov 24 2012, 03:27 PM) *
Over-rated. Still has a lot to prove.


huh.gif

He's been our best performer next to El Shaarawy. Now I'm getting dubious, have you actually seen any Milan games? First Zapata, now Montolivo. WTF?!

Posted by: Ry4n Nov 24 2012, 04:25 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Nov 24 2012, 08:10 PM) *
huh.gif

He's been our best performer next to El Shaarawy. Now I'm getting dubious, have you actually seen any Milan games? First Zapata, now Montolivo. WTF?!



laugh.gif

I would say next to SES our best performers are De Sciglio and Kévin Constant not Monti sorry hes been far to inconsistent hes taking over Pirlo's role so hes got big boots to fill thats the standard Pirlo left.

Posted by: KillerMax Nov 25 2012, 12:07 AM

Now I believe in parallel universes.

Posted by: X-Offender Nov 25 2012, 01:18 AM

QUOTE (KillerMax @ Nov 25 2012, 02:07 AM) *
Now I believe in parallel universes.


laugh.gif

Posted by: Ry4n Nov 25 2012, 05:29 AM

QUOTE (KillerMax @ Nov 25 2012, 04:07 AM) *
Now I believe in parallel universes.

biggrin.gif

Posted by: han2503 Nov 25 2012, 10:15 AM

QUOTE (Ry4n @ Nov 24 2012, 01:27 PM) *
Over-rated. Still has a lot to prove.

Oh my...

QUOTE (Ry4n @ Nov 24 2012, 04:25 PM) *
laugh.gif

I would say next to SES our best performers are De Sciglio and Kévin Constant not Monti sorry hes been far to inconsistent hes taking over Pirlo's role so hes got big boots to fill thats the standard Pirlo left.

You beat yourself in the funniest post category with this gem right here

De Sciglio and Constant FFS??

DS as had a couple of promising games while Constant has been decent enough to hold a LB position which doesn't have any competition for the spot considering the other options we have

Montolivo has been on another level to most of the players in the majority of our games this season. Aside from SES and his goals, Monto is easy our MVP of the season so far

Posted by: Ry4n Nov 25 2012, 10:23 AM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Nov 25 2012, 02:15 PM) *
Oh my...


You beat yourself in the funniest post category with this gem right here

De Sciglio and Constant FFS??

DS as had a couple of promising games while Constant has been decent enough to hold a LB position which doesn't have any competition for the spot considering the other options we have

Montolivo has been on another level to most of the players in the majority of our games this season. Aside from SES and his goals, Monto is easy our MVP of the season so far


lol hes filling Pirlo's void end of story , after having a failure like Aqua....anything is better who else is going to play the Mid role other then Monto you could say the same about him in respects to Constant.
Give me a break MVP laughable laugh.gif
I wish we would have bought Poli or never sold Pirlo.

Posted by: han2503 Nov 25 2012, 12:48 PM

QUOTE (Ry4n @ Nov 25 2012, 10:23 AM) *
lol hes filling Pirlo's void end of story , after having a failure like Aqua....anything is better who else is going to play the Mid role other then Monto you could say the same about him in respects to Constant.
Give me a break MVP laughable laugh.gif
I wish we would have bought Poli or never sold Pirlo.

Poli??

I'm sorry but are you trying to start up pointless debates because you really CANNOT be serious here!!

Aquilani wasn't a failure, just never given a proper chance because we did not want to pay the clause. Look at him with Fiorentina this season. He's been great for them. And I really can't take the Constant thing seriously. He's been an improvement, sure, but look at who he took the spot from FFS! Mesbah and Antonini! Even I would be an improvement over those 2!!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Nov 25 2012, 01:20 PM

Great? You're overrating him. Aquilani was solid with us han, he never was more then just good. You know why? He's a choker, he never manages to play 90 on a high level, not to mention more then 1 match. He has no consistency and he's doing good with mid-table ambitious sides like Roma or Fiorentina.

Posted by: CHU-LIP Nov 25 2012, 01:25 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Nov 25 2012, 02:48 PM) *
Aquilani wasn't a failure, just never given a proper chance because we did not want to pay the clause. Look at him with Fiorentina this season. He's been great for them. And I really can't take the Constant thing seriously. He's been an improvement, sure, but look at who he took the spot from FFS! Mesbah and Antonini! Even I would be an improvement over those 2!!

Great post.

Posted by: Ry4n Nov 25 2012, 01:31 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Nov 25 2012, 04:48 PM) *
Poli??

I'm sorry but are you trying to start up pointless debates because you really CANNOT be serious here!!

Aquilani wasn't a failure, just never given a proper chance because we did not want to pay the clause. Look at him with Fiorentina this season. He's been great for them. And I really can't take the Constant thing seriously. He's been an improvement, sure, but look at who he took the spot from FFS! Mesbah and Antonini! Even I would be an improvement over those 2!!

lol i'm not trying to start anything i don't want to have a debate at all Han theres no need. Maybe this forum should start to go even more dead before anyone can have a different opinion then yours Han ? Its pretty much dead here as it is. You seem to not be able to take any of my posts seriously should i care really do i value your opinion so highly...

Posted by: Ry4n Nov 25 2012, 01:34 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Nov 25 2012, 05:20 PM) *
Great? You're overrating him. Aquilani was solid with us han, he never was more then just good. You know why? He's a choker, he never manages to play 90 on a high level, not to mention more then 1 match. He has no consistency and he's doing good with mid-table ambitious sides like Roma or Fiorentina.


+1

Posted by: X-Offender Nov 25 2012, 03:37 PM

QUOTE (Ry4n @ Nov 25 2012, 12:23 PM) *
lol hes filling Pirlo's void end of story , after having a failure like Aqua....anything is better who else is going to play the Mid role other then Monto you could say the same about him in respects to Constant.
Give me a break MVP laughable laugh.gif
I wish we would have bought Poli or never sold Pirlo.



Posted by: Fillipo Simone Nov 25 2012, 03:53 PM

Let's keep it not personal smile.gif

Posted by: han2503 Nov 25 2012, 03:54 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Nov 25 2012, 01:20 PM) *
Great? You're overrating him. Aquilani was solid with us han, he never was more then just good. You know why? He's a choker, he never manages to play 90 on a high level, not to mention more then 1 match. He has no consistency and he's doing good with mid-table ambitious sides like Roma or Fiorentina.

I didn't say he was great for us, just that he's doing great for Fiorentina wink.gif Which tends to support your latter statement about him doing well for mid-table sides wink.gif

Anyways, the Aqui chapter is closed, I just wish that we could have shown some decency and class in the whole saga. Especially when Allegri was resorting to playing Munatri in every which way as long as Aquilani didn't get a sniff in.

Btw, have I said lately how much I just can't wait for Muntari to be fit?!! Can't wait to see all the creative ways Allegri will try to incorporate him into his 100 different formations rolleyes.gif

QUOTE (Ry4n @ Nov 25 2012, 01:31 PM) *
lol i'm not trying to start anything i don't want to have a debate at all Han theres no need. Maybe this forum should start to go even more dead before anyone can have a different opinion then yours Han ? Its pretty much dead here as it is. You seem to not be able to take any of my posts seriously should i care really do i value your opinion so highly...

Did I say that we couldn't discuss things??

But what you've been saying just seems like a joke to me. It's like you're trying to antagonise people by naming our most average players and saying they're great while being indifferent or not wanting our best options to play. It's like you're looking for pointless debates. Give me one other person here who would prefer Acerbi over Zapata, or one other person who thinks Constant of all people is one of our best performers of the season, I can gaurantee you that you won't find any

Posted by: Ry4n Nov 25 2012, 04:08 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Nov 25 2012, 07:37 PM) *

Real mature... dry.gif

Posted by: Ry4n Nov 25 2012, 04:09 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Nov 25 2012, 07:54 PM) *
I didn't say he was great for us, just that he's doing great for Fiorentina wink.gif Which tends to support your latter statement about him doing well for mid-table sides wink.gif

Anyways, the Aqui chapter is closed, I just wish that we could have shown some decency and class in the whole saga. Especially when Allegri was resorting to playing Munatri in every which way as long as Aquilani didn't get a sniff in.

Btw, have I said lately how much I just can't wait for Muntari to be fit?!! Can't wait to see all the creative ways Allegri will try to incorporate him into his 100 different formations rolleyes.gif


Did I say that we couldn't discuss things??

But what you've been saying just seems like a joke to me. It's like you're trying to antagonise people by naming our most average players and saying they're great while being indifferent or not wanting our best options to play. It's like you're looking for pointless debates. Give me one other person here who would prefer Acerbi over Zapata, or one other person who thinks Constant of all people is one of our best performers of the season, I can gaurantee you that you won't find any


Maybe just maybe its my opinion and you should not get so antagonised by it? There seems to be a nice little clique of people that seem to jump on the bandwagon when ever the situation desires its makes this forum not worth logging in for also probably the reason less and less people come back here. Also since your a mod may i ask why the register is closed to the forum for new applicants so we can have a broader opinion on Milan.

Posted by: X-Offender Nov 25 2012, 04:20 PM

QUOTE (Ry4n @ Nov 25 2012, 06:08 PM) *
Real mature... dry.gif


You've been laughing to my face and refusing to provide any arguments whilst I was seriously trying to prove my point, and now you're calling me immature? Heh, I guess it's my own fault for even bothering to reply to such a dimwitted turd.

Posted by: Ry4n Nov 25 2012, 04:26 PM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Nov 25 2012, 08:20 PM) *
You've been laughing to my face and refusing to provide any arguments whilst I was seriously trying to prove my point, and now you're calling me immature? Heh, I guess it's my own fault for even bothering to reply to such a dimwitted turd.

lol your the one posting trolling pictures my friend and now calling me a dimwitted turd keep it coming bro im not as petty laugh.gif

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Nov 25 2012, 05:09 PM

Stop this, immediately!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Nov 25 2012, 07:05 PM

Well, I think Muntari will actually give some stability to the team. He could set things differently; Boateng moved back as a normal midfielder, Emanuelson not playing - all of these options appear better to me.

Posted by: X-Offender Nov 25 2012, 07:13 PM

I bet Allegri will play him instead of Nocerino in the 4-3-3.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Nov 26 2012, 11:07 AM

I think they perform different roles though they play the same position. Noce is more of a 'terrier' than Muntari. Muntari has slightly better technique. What matters is we have options, so that's good.

Posted by: han2503 Nov 26 2012, 04:50 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Nov 26 2012, 11:07 AM) *
I think they perform different roles though they play the same position. Noce is more of a 'terrier' than Muntari. Muntari has slightly better technique. What matters is we have options, so that's good.

Better technique? Muntari wouldn't know technique if i smacked him across the face.

I think people are forgetting the sheer frustration of seeing him constantly starting games last season

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Nov 26 2012, 05:19 PM

You were frustrated mate. biggrin.gif Truth is he did a pretty passable job.

Posted by: X-Offender Nov 26 2012, 05:50 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Nov 26 2012, 07:19 PM) *
You were frustrated mate. biggrin.gif Truth is he did a pretty passable job.



Posted by: han2503 Nov 26 2012, 09:24 PM

QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Nov 26 2012, 05:19 PM) *
You were frustrated mate. biggrin.gif Truth is he did a pretty passable job.

The only decent thing he did was score a few goals. Aside from that it was bad passing, bad tackling and utter tactical stupidity

Posted by: KillerMax Nov 26 2012, 11:43 PM

QUOTE (han2503 @ Nov 26 2012, 03:24 PM) *
The only decent thing he did was score a few goals. Aside from that it was bad passing, bad tackling and utter tactical stupidity


Agree. But he was putting a lot of effort in which was good to see in those uninspired moments.

Posted by: X-Offender Nov 27 2012, 12:01 AM

QUOTE (KillerMax @ Nov 27 2012, 01:43 AM) *
Agree. But he was putting a lot of effort in which was good to see in those uninspired moments.


What? Muntari is one of the laziest players around. Nocerino puts 3x more effort in his game.

Posted by: KillerMax Nov 27 2012, 12:13 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Nov 26 2012, 06:01 PM) *
What? Muntari is one of the laziest players around. Nocerino puts 3x more effort in his game.


Maybe I didn't see much of him as I tend to ignore some games, but I remember him having something to prove because of his previous Inter situation and taking to the field kicking and screaming. I do also know him to be a lazy player.

Posted by: X-Offender Nov 27 2012, 12:15 AM

QUOTE (KillerMax @ Nov 27 2012, 02:13 AM) *
Maybe I didn't see much of him as I tend to ignore some games, but I remember him having something to prove because of his previous Inter situation and taking to the field kicking and screaming. I do also know him to be a lazy player.


That was just his first game with us against Cesena. After that he returned to his default state, i.e. lazy, talentless bum.

Posted by: KillerMax Nov 27 2012, 12:19 AM

QUOTE (X-Offender @ Nov 26 2012, 06:15 PM) *
That was just his first game with us against Cesena. After that he returned to his default state, i.e. lazy, talentless bum.


You and han are always right. That's what people don't understand. biggrin.gif

Posted by: X-Offender Nov 27 2012, 12:28 AM

QUOTE (KillerMax @ Nov 27 2012, 02:19 AM) *
You and han are always right. That's what people don't understand. biggrin.gif


At least you understand. tongue.gif

Posted by: vnata001 Nov 27 2012, 02:00 AM

QUOTE (KillerMax @ Nov 26 2012, 05:19 PM) *
You and han are always right. That's what people don't understand. biggrin.gif


i'm going to come out of the woodwork and say: agreed!


Posted by: Fillipo Simone Nov 27 2012, 02:17 AM

Naah, in no way Muntari can be better then Nocerino. I fail to see any relevant aspect.

Posted by: han2503 Nov 28 2012, 07:38 PM

QUOTE (KillerMax @ Nov 27 2012, 12:13 AM) *
Maybe I didn't see much of him as I tend to ignore some games, but I remember him having something to prove because of his previous Inter situation and taking to the field kicking and screaming. I do also know him to be a lazy player.

He only kicked and screamed in his first game. Then it was barely a whimper in the rest

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jan 19 2013, 10:51 AM

QUOTE
Midfield misleading Milan

I think this is a good read from Football Italia:

Milan’s struggles this season have been well documented, but underperforming individuals in midfield have masked a decent collective. Dylan Fahy writes.

The frontrunners in Spain, Germany and England dominate the top three outfits with the highest pass accuracy in Europe’s best Leagues this season. However, behind respective League-leaders Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United hover a struggling Milan. The Rossoneri have slumped to seventh in Serie A this term, but have sustained incredible passing exploits behind underperforming individuals.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side have managed to maintain an 86.3 per cent passing accuracy, with the peninsula’s perceived imperious passers Juventus, Fiorentina and Lazio further behind. On top of their efficiency in distribution, the San Siro residents have the eighth highest average possession on the continent with 58.1 per cent – while only the Bianconeri can claim a higher medium among Italy clubs.

How have Milan stuttered to such an extent this season compared to the sides around them in these statistical tables then? The middle of the park has been a real sticking point for club, and a genuine lack of clinical assist providers has been evident. The exodus of players in the summer has greatly reduced their ability to create, and the remaining batch have simply not been able to live up to previous standards.

Aside from being the Rossoneri’s top scorer, forward Stephan El Shaarawy has also been the team’s main provider domestically this season with three setups alongside Urby Emanuelson and Robinho. There are an additional four players on two assists, but of those there are two full-backs in Mattia De Sciglio and Ignazio Abate and two attackers in Bojan Krkic and Giampaolo Pazzini.

Kevin-Prince Boateng, Antonio Nocerino and Riccardo Montolivo have amassed a single setup each in Serie A throughout the current campaign. The trio have been the spine of the starting lineup, and since Nigel De Jong ruptured his left Achilles tendon before the winter break and captain Massimo Ambrosini was recently dealt a month long layoff they have been practically irreplaceable.

Boateng has largely been employed as trequartista to limited success, and was one of the worst firing midfielders in Europe before finally scoring against Catania – later receiving a straight red card in the same game. Nocerino has lost the spark this campaign, after finishing the club’s second top scorer last term. His mistakes against Bologna, Lazio and Torino have all directly led to goals. Montolivo has been the brightest of the lot, and has showed unexpected leadership qualities, but has otherwise been blunt.

Milan’s headquarters on Via Turati has been rife with activity since the beginning of January. The arrival of Empoli youngster Riccardo Saponara at the end of the season looks to be an excellent move for the future. Speculation surrounding former playmaker Kaka in recent days does not fall in line with the new project, but there is no doubt that something has to be done to spark this team’s midfield to life.


http://www.football-italia.net/29631/midfield-misleading-milan

Posted by: Danny Mar 3 2013, 12:46 PM

Bloody hero in the middle. This man has been epic in recent times. He's been very good this whole season but the Juve and Barca displays were out of this world, and last night again he produced.

He's every inch the midfield playmaker we needed and while many thought I was over the top re: his Barca display, I reason it with this:

After Euro 2012 stats were compared between Pirlo, Xavi and Iniesta. Despite folk wanting Pirlo to be named POTT the reason he wasn't was that his pass completion rate was so much lower than those two. Their standards were just way way higher and it was apparent he wasn't quite as good as many people wanted to believe.

Monto, V Barca, was everything Pirlo was unable to be - adding the crucial physical dimension Pirlo lacks.

Monto can do EVERY thing Pirlo can bar the free kicks.

We have ourselves a better version of Pirlo.

My honest opinion and I stand by it.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 3 2013, 12:48 PM

Think you're going way over the top. Pirlo has the mind of a genius, a maestro. Montolivo manages to give rythm and good passes, but he isn't that brilliant.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Mar 3 2013, 01:00 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Mar 3 2013, 03:48 PM) *
Think you're going way over the top. Pirlo has the mind of a genius, a maestro. Montolivo manages to give rythm and good passes, but he isn't that brilliant.


In fact I don't rate Montolivo, a good player don't get me wrong .. But nowhere near the class of Pirlo.

Posted by: X-Offender Mar 3 2013, 03:49 PM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Mar 3 2013, 02:48 PM) *
Think you're going way over the top. Pirlo has the mind of a genius, a maestro. Montolivo manages to give rythm and good passes, but he isn't that brilliant.


+1

Posted by: Danny Mar 3 2013, 04:04 PM

Monto gives us much more now than Pirlo did in his last 3 or 4 years here.

I don't care about the alleged genius thing - I care about commitment and consistency. Neither of which Pirlo had for us.

Maybe Monto isn't 'mercurial' but then neither was Pirlo - he was weak on the ball and most of his passes went astray.

Totally over rated imo.

Posted by: Danny Mar 3 2013, 04:16 PM

QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Mar 3 2013, 12:00 PM) *
In fact I don't rate Montolivo, a good player don't get me wrong .. But nowhere near the class of Pirlo.


I'd beg to differ. Their pass completion rate rates in this season's CL are not miles apart (66% for Monto and 74% for Pirlo) - Xavi is above both at 90%.

But Monto makes up for the deficit with a defensive awareness and strength on the ball not to mention ability to blatantly tackle. Everything in our midfield now goes through him.

While Pirlo has this (undeserved imo) 'genius' reputation it's not really borne out in the facts or statistics.

To actually say you don't rate him after his displays this season is a slightly ridiculous view.

Posted by: dst Mar 3 2013, 04:50 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Mar 3 2013, 03:16 PM) *
While Pirlo has this (undeserved imo) 'genius' reputation it's not really borne out in the facts or statistics.

And that's why stats are overrated bs.

Posted by: Danny Mar 3 2013, 10:22 PM

QUOTE (dst @ Mar 3 2013, 03:50 PM) *
And that's why stats are overrated bs.


You can't argue with pass completion rate.

I also can't argue with what I saw on the pitch for him for us in his last few years here.

Posted by: dst Mar 3 2013, 11:35 PM

QUOTE (Danny @ Mar 3 2013, 09:22 PM) *
You can't argue with pass completion rate.

I also can't argue with what I saw on the pitch for him for us in his last few years here.

I can because it's nothing but an indication in my opinion. You can't judge a player on stats, they don't even get close to telling you how good a player is. You certainly can't tell if he is a genius or not. And then how do you compare them? Is Pirlo 8% better than Montolivo cause his completion rate is 8% higher? Stats help and that's it for me, nothing more.

No he was not very good, I agree with that.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 4 2013, 12:33 AM

Well, you can argue with what you see. And when I look at Pirlo I see the maestro, I see the brilliance. I don't need anyone to tell me that, no stats, no reporters, no commentators, no fans.

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Apr 7 2013, 04:24 AM

devilsmiley.gif king.gif devilsmiley.gif

Montolivo owns Osvaldo at target practice on Game Show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_ept-X-lyE

Posted by: kurtsimonw Dec 17 2013, 04:12 AM

Lack of ability/poor performance I can tolerate, players don't choose to be bad. But this guys attitude is terrible. Captain of Milan. What a joke.

Posted by: Ry4n Dec 17 2013, 12:18 PM

His form has dipped alot his passing is atrocious. Also why is he Milan captain i would much rather see Kaka' or Abbiati.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Dec 17 2013, 04:19 PM

QUOTE (Ry4n @ Dec 17 2013, 03:18 PM) *
His form has dipped alot his passing is atrocious. Also why is he Milan captain i would much rather see Kaka' or Abbiati.


Excellent, both Kaka and Abbiati should be prime candidates for the arm band.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Dec 18 2013, 08:48 AM

Yes, it should be Abbiati, Bonera and Kaka. Montolivo should really offer the armband to them.

Posted by: han2503 Dec 18 2013, 11:48 AM

QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Dec 18 2013, 08:48 AM) *
Yes, it should be Abbiati, Bonera and Kaka. Montolivo should really offer the armband to them.

Bonera??

I'd prefer Abate and DS to be on that list rather than Bonera

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Dec 18 2013, 12:10 PM

No. I prefer rules to be implemented again. Bonera is a Milan veteran, he should be vice-captain.

Posted by: Ry4n Dec 19 2013, 11:57 AM

Bonera for me over Kaka' and Abbiati , from the last match towards the end you could see he was urging the team on. Balotelli was way up the field half injured and not even walking back to the last defensive play of the match someone in defence cleared the ball and all you could see is Bonera screaming at Balo to get back and help out , reminded me of Nesta a little sad.gif the expression he had that is..

Posted by: han2503 Aug 8 2016, 06:07 PM

Bumped...

Posted by: Fishdoll Sep 22 2017, 02:09 PM

Dusting off this thread with the perhaps unsurprising news that Montolivo is injured again. minor injury, he's expected to miss the next couple of games.

Posted by: X-Offender Sep 22 2017, 03:25 PM

QUOTE (Fishdoll @ Sep 22 2017, 02:09 PM) *
Dusting off this thread with the perhaps unsurprising news that Montolivo is injured again. minor injury, he's expected to miss the next couple of games.


Won't be missed.

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