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.

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

You were frustrated mate. 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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.