Sergiño Dest explains the tactical differences between Milan and Barcelona and confirms he can play in more positions than just full-back.
The USMNT international joined the Rossoneri on loan with an option to buy from Barcelona on the deadline day.
It was a quick deal as the Serie A champions had to replace the injured Alessandro Florenzi who will remain out of action for several months.
Dest was unveiled by Milan at a press conference in Milanello today.
“I like to be in this club with a lot of history and a great present. Pioli plays with full-backs that go forward and for me it’s perfect. I need to be concentrated and make sure I can help the team to win with my skills. This system can be helpful for me,” he said.
“I think I can play on the right or the left. Right and left back are my favourite positions, I have some offensive skills so if necessary I can be put up front.
“I will give my best and at the end of the season, we’ll see if the club want me or not. The only thing I can do is give my best.
“Everything went really quick,” he continued.
“I haven’t seen that much about the city. We are in the middle of the season and we play every three days. The team is helping me to feel welcome over here and the only thing I can do is give my best. I have a good connection with everyone, I talk to everyone, but I’ve been here not for too long.”
The 21-year-old has played for Ajax and Barcelona and hopes to develop as a footballer in Serie A: “I think this league will help me become more complete. Italy is known for good defending and it’s something I can work on. It’s a different league but I feel I need to get my full potential. I feel I can learn a lot and I can work on my defensive skills here.”
What are the differences between Milan and his previous clubs?
“When I played in Ajax and I went to Barça they had a similar style, a lot of possession and I think here we play a bit more functional, we go faster to the goal and we must make sure we all defend.
“It’s difficult to give an example of the perfect comparison, perhaps I can answer this question at the end of the season better.”
Who was his idol growing up and is there a Milan player who has impressed him the most?
“In the past my idol played here, Ronaldinho. But there were more great players, there is one over there [Paolo Maldini] it’s a historical club. For the moment, Leao did great things. He has scored goals and delivered assists, but we played good as a team in general.
Dest has yet to make his Serie A debut, but collected two appearances in the Champions League, coming on as a substitute. The Rossoneri have a €20m option to make his move permanent at the end of the season.