Milan would seem to be in the running for Real Madrid talent Marco Asensio and Chelsea man Hakim Ziyech, but with only one likely to make the move to San Siro, who do they really need?
The Rossoneri managed to win the Serie A title despite on paper having probably a weaker squad than Inter, Napoli or Juventus, especially when they had periods of injury and illness further reducing the options for Stefano Pioli.
Now that they are the reigning Champions of Italy, the pressure is on to repeat that form and that means bolstering certain areas of the team.
It was probably wise to pull out of the bidding war for Sven Botman, especially considering Pierre Kalulu had only just started to form a partnership with Fikayo Tomori and Simon Kjaer is returning from injury.
The areas that looked weakest were in attack, and at least Divock Origi has been brought in as a free agent from Liverpool.
Another role of concern is the trequartista, as Brahim Diaz lacks the character to really run at players or make a difference at the highest level.
Milan want someone with Champions League experience and who can provide some versatility too, playing on the right flank or behind the centre-forward.
Both Asensio and Ziyech can cover those areas, which are needed to balance out the dominant left wing chain of Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao.
Asensio might be more prolific, but considering the role is meant to provide service to the centre-forward, Ziyech is arguably more an assist-man than the Spaniard and his movement can create opportunities for teammates too.
Both are players who never quite got the consistent playing time that could help them develop, so Milan represent an important opportunity.
Asensio is three years younger and could therefore have the upper hand if a future sale is to be considered, but in an already very young and inexperienced squad, Ziyech’s Champions League pedigree is a plus.
POLL: Who should #ACMilan sign this summer: Marco Asensio or Hakim Ziyech? #CFC #RealMadrid
— footballitalia (@footballitalia) June 27, 2022
A tiny correction to the article, they’re not coming as trequartista but for the RW.
I would prefer Berardi, since he can score and create
Those two are inconsistent and can’t score. Between them, i would prefer Hakim
Who in Napoli makes Milan on paper weaker than them I’ll never know. Personally don’t want either player.
Neither. Get Berardi, Antony, or Lang.
@NT.
You have an uncanny ability to literally be wrong about everything.
Asensio is a right winger, but Ziyech is predominantly an attacking midfielder centrally.
Berardi is not on the level of neither of these two players.
@Rosario. Spot on. Plus the article is poor. “Ziyech’s Champions League pedigree is a plus”. WTF? Asensio palmares: 3 Club World Cups, 3 Champions Leagues, 3 La Liga titles, 2 UEFA Supercups. Meanwhile Ziyech, 1 CL, 1 UEFA Supercup, 1 Club WC. Not. Even. Close. AND he’s only 26. AND he came up through the Madrid system. Can’t get more pedigree than that. Asensio has my vote for RW over anyone else except maybe Antony, and we’re not getting Antony as he’s been valued at 80m.
@Zoro, see above. Antony has been valued at 80m, so forget it. Lang is a high risk to destroy the locker room harmony. Last thing we need now is some prima donna who has proven nothing. At least Ibra has earned it. We also need experience to help guide the kids through the CL group.
Asensio all the way
Ziyech. He’s everything for a dangerous attacker. Creativity, vision, Speed, dribbling, shooting power and technique. Despite Asensio been younger, he haven’t been growing and to me not expected to grow much, at least won’t be as good as Ziyech who’s very similar to Di Maria in playing style and quality.