When AC Milan clinched the Champions League for the seventh time; they were termed as one of Europe’s best clubs. The present situation of the club is knotty because it lacks experienced heads like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Gianluigi Buffon who served as leaders for the team. Their hope now lies in young talents who are expected to revive the past glory. However, can these raw stars step into the shoes left by departing veterans and propel them upwards?
The Changing of the Guard
AC Milan started to focus more on young talent several years ago. Financial constraints forced them to change their transfer policy and concentrate on signing promising youngsters rather than established professionals. The move paid off immediately: Rafael Leão, a 23-year-old Portuguese winger, broke into the limelight last season by scoring 11 goals and making six assists in Serie A (2022/23). His speed, ability to beat opponents with the ball at his feet, and nose for goal have endeared him to supporters – not to mention providing an important attacking option.
Another rising star is Sandro Tonali, who plays as a defensive midfielder and is 22 years old. His reading of the game, passing range and calmness under pressure have seen him likened to Italy legend Andrea Pirlo. The player shields his back four well but can also launch attacks from deep with incisive distribution.
Teams of young people who play for Milan have always been known for their enthusiasm, and now more than ever, that is a good sign for the future of the Rossoneri. However, it is not just limited to those in the first team- there has already been some breakout talent shown this season like defensive player Pierre Kalulu (22), who can play any position along the backline, Ismael Bennacer (24) with box-to-box capabilities as well as 21-year-old forward Charles De Ketelaere from Club Brugge which was signed last summer transfer window hailed by many futurists around Europe’s football fraternity as one among upcoming stars.
For this reason, online casino gambling experts will be banking highly upon teams with lots of young players, thus expecting entertaining matches characterized by lots of goals, hence positive outcomes for AC Milan.
Experience vs Exuberance
We know that experience counts for a lot – the seasoned pros bring leadership qualities that are vital at different stages throughout games, but especially so when under pressure. Zlatan Ibrahimović motivated his teammates with loud-mouthed bravado while shouldering all expectations placed upon him in his role as captain; meanwhile, Gianluigi Buffon provided world-class goalkeeping cover over many years, thus enabling calmness within matches themselves.
Nonetheless, reliance on aged heads alone could prove detrimental towards advancement; physical decline coupled with an inflexibility regarding new systems being implemented due to their, shall we say, ‘more advanced’ age might not bode well for any side wanting progression domestically or continentally speaking – this is where youth steps up its benefits game come into play. The injection of young blood offers up a fresh approach that, if harnessed correctly, has potential beyond measure.
Building Unity
The Rossoneri need to find the right mix between these two schools of thought; too much in either direction will never work out well. The former should be typified by technical ability and speed, while the latter takes charge of organization – more experienced heads guiding younger legs so they don’t burn themselves too fast.
Fortunately for them, there are still some old heads around at ‘I Rossoneri.’ Among others, Olivier Giroud will offer mentorship to young strikers, having joined the club from Chelsea, where he was mainly used as a substitute last season following his international retirement post-EURO 2020 at age 36 years, while Ciprian Tatarusanu provides an able deputy behind Mike Maignan prior capturing four caps during Romania’s recent successful CONMEBOL World Cup qualification bid aged 37.
‘The Road Ahead’
AC Milan must make sure that their revolution filled with young talents happens during the 2023/2024 season. Serie A is known to be very difficult because this is where traditional powerhouses like Inter Milan, Juventus, and Napoli compete; they always fight for the Scudetto every year. Not to mention the Champions League, which sees top teams from different European countries play against each other frequently.
There will be no instant success. Along the way, there will be setbacks, moments where the young players’ lack of experience is revealed. All the same, Milan must sustain a vision. It will be necessary to give these youth regular game time, let them make and learn from their own mistakes, and instill in them a thirst for victory.
There are positive early indications. In the 2022/23 season, AC Milan finished as runners-up in the Serie A, narrowly losing out to Inter Milan for the championship. This feat achieved by predominantly young players shows the promise of a new era. The AC Milan club has made a bold move by deciding to invest in youth development, which is something that should be hailed. It is, however, filled with a lot of uncertainties, but it also holds much hope. The club could end up producing a team that not only dominates locally but also internationally for years if they are able to nurture their young talents and mix them with experienced players. The anxious fans from Milan can only sit back and hope that someday soon, their children shall bring back the days of glory.
