CM: Milan’s No.10 problem – the present solutions and one for the future | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca has now made it clear that he wants an attacking midfielder in his system, but at the moment there is no undisputed starter in that role.

As Calciomercato.com recall, it was Mattia Liberali and Christian Pulisic who played as playmakers in the preseason friendly matches, and it seemed as though the latter would get a run of starts in that role when the season properly began.

However, against Parma and Lazio, Ruben Loftus-Cheek returned to the position that Stefano Pioli used him in last season. It was partly a decision based on the condition of various players, but also a tactical one aimed at increasing the balance between the departments.

Nonetheless, the general performance level from the Englishman has certainly not been sufficient so far and, now more than ever, it is necessary to define an important question: who is the most effective ‘glue’ between the defence and the attack?

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The first hypothesis is actually to not use a playmaker and to instead switch to a 4-3-3 but give Tijani Reijnders more freedom. He starred for the Netherlands over the international break with two goals and one assist, with Ronald Koeman given him the license to roam in a three-man midfield.

The Dutchman dropped back in front of the defence when not in possession and rose up to the attacking midfielder spot during attacks. Milan could do the same, using Youssouf Fofana as the anchor and either Yunus Musah or Loftus-Cheek as the other mezzala, as Massimo Ambrosini suggested.

The likes of Hakan Calhanoglu, Brahim Diaz and Charles De Ketelaere all struggled to show themselves in the No.10 position for large parts of their respective times at Milan. Yet, the report also puts forward the idea of trusting a talent like Mattia Liberali.

He is one of the shining jewels of Milan Futuro and impressed during the USA tour, while in Serie C he is showing that he can do it against adults too. It might be too much to ask too soon, but the pressure is on Fonseca and brave decisions could be taken.