goncalo ramos pulisic
AC Milan managed to score a goal and get a draw from a tricky away game against Juventus, but the feeling is things didn’t really ‘click’.
Above all, the most worrying statistics concern how blunt Milan were going forward. They registered just one shot on target – Alphadjo Cisse’s opening goal in the 68th minute – and just three attempts in general. After good attacking performances in the first two games, things jammed.
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The Ramos paradox
Gonçalo Ramos posted top-of-the-class stats even in a quiet night, though unfortunately, the ‘subjects’ were ‘duels won’ and ‘aerial challenges’ rather than his primary tasks of shooting on goal and assisting.
In this instance, the striker was a ‘no-show’: zero shots on target, in fact no attempts at all against Vicario. The team didn’t support him adequately, but the centre-forward did little to carve out opportunities for himself.
His attacking impact had already been modest against Torino and was virtually non-existent at the Allianz Stadium two days ago. Sandwiched between these was a decisive and technically impressive goal against Venezia, scored after a string of missed chances.
He is weighed down by a price tag exceeding €70m, making him the most expensive signing in the club’s history. While he offers Amorim excellent contributions in his pressing, link-up play and his heading ability, sometimes he gets double-teamed and this nullifies him a bit without support.
goncalo ramos amorim
Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
Against Juve, the former PSG man led the game for total duels (16), aerial duels (7), and aerial challenges won (7). These figures mirrored his debut (where he also topped the duel stats), though that match had included two off-target shots and one on target.
The match against Venezia provided the third piece of evidence: once again, nobody won more duels or aerial challenges than he did. It is a specialty that aids the team’s build-up play. He also led the way in total attempts: seven in all, whether on target or not.
Yet, his only goal remains the one against Venezia. The area requiring the coach’s intervention is the regression in his attacking output. If the team are not pushing forward, it is difficult for Ramos to create scoring chances.
A pleasant surprise
While a lot is expected from Ramos and Diego Moreira (the Rossoneri’s second most expensive summer signing at €50m), it is the youngster Cisse who is making his presence felt in the penalty area.
With two goals in his first three appearances – including his first Serie A start against Torino – he is the team’s top scorer. Amorim’s other five attacking players have managed only one goal between them: Adrien Rabiot, who scored after coming off the bench against Torino.
Speaking of the Frenchman, Rabiot himself failed to make an impact as an attacking midfielder against Juve. The same goes for Alexis Saelemaekers: excellent as a substitute against Venezia, yet anonymous when starting two days ago.
The rotation of wide players hasn’t held back Samuel Chukwueze, who has provided two assists in the first three games of the season, though here too the goals are missing. Nor are they coming from other wingers like Moreira or the other creative midfielders used so far, such as Loftus-Cheek.
Francesco Camarda and Omari Hutchinson are blameless, having not yet been called upon by Amorim. Yet, if there is a question mark, it concerns Christian Pulisic.
Anonymous so far
The Pulisic case is curious. “Pulisic is back from injury, I’m managing him. For now, Alpha is in his place,” declared Amorim after the draw against Juventus.
It’s true that the winger is recovering from a physical problem (an injury in United States-Belgium, on July 7, round of 16 of the World Cup) but equally true that he can only really get back into rhythm by playing.
Instead, Pulisic has played zero minutes in the first three games., having been exclusively a spectator on the bench. Amorim has him (at least for the moment) behind Cisse in the pecking order, and he made that clear.
What was supposed to be Milan’s American star still doesn’t shine. His condition is not optimal, but Chris is certainly ready to play. Will his moment come on Saturday against league leaders Lazio? In an attack still being tested, his quality would help get the department moving.
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