AC Milan have been active in the transfer market summer after summer. This, of course, is due to their constant inability to qualify for the Champions League, which at this rate is inexcusable for a club of their stature. Sandro Tonali could be the key to solve this. The young Italian midfielder current plies his trade for Brescia and is more than likely heading for a summer exit.
Sandro Tonali: Milan’s Best Summer Option
Current State of the Midfield
Two positions that Milan have actively been changing have been their starting centre-back, alongside Alessio Romagnoli, and a striker. There’s a constant rotation in midfield depth too, but never a legitimate starter. This changed slightly with the purchase of Ismaël Bennacer this past summer. Bennacer has been excellent and is a staple in the midfield for the future. Simply put, however, he needs more help.
Giacomo Bonaventura is ageing and no longer a great option. Hakan Calhanoglu has struggled mightily the last two seasons, while Lucas Biglia is way beyond his prime and injury-prone. Lucas Paqueta has not adjusted and could be heading for an exit. The only other regular starter is Franck Kessie, who is far too inconsistent.
Now, it’s common knowledge that midfielders are the engines and creators of plays going forward. Milan have often attributed their goal scoring issues to not having efficient strikers, which has been partly true, but they’ve lacked a proper midfield trio that can actually provide for said strikers.
Milan are not in a financial position to acquire an already achieved and proven world-class midfielder. Due to this, betting on Tonali would be wise.
A Look at Tonali
Tonali is only 19-years-old. He was great in Serie B, and although had some growing pains in the top flight, has shown his immense potential this season.
Eugenio Corini, former Brescia manager, compared Tonali to Daniele De Rossi. Tonali himself compared his game to that of Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso. That’s a lot to live up to, but if Tonali is making those comparisons himself then it proves that he is ready to take on the challenge.
Looking at these players, one can see that Tonali prefers a deeper role in a midfield of three. Milan often uses a 4-3-3 formation, so he would slot in well.
Tonali is strong on the dribble and doesn’t hesitate to keep the ball at his feet in order to find the best passing lane. His footballing IQ is high, so he is constantly reading the game making it tough for the opposition to bait him into mistakes. For this reason, Tonali is often fouled. At only 19, he has proven to be a physical player as well (hence the comparisons to De Rossi and Gattuso). He uses his body and strength well to hold onto possession and shield the ball.
Bennacer plays with similar traits to Tonali. The Italia, however, is larger thus making a solid complement to the Algerian. If Milan beat the competition and secure Tonali this summer, it should not come as a surprise to see Kessie remain in the starting line-up as well. Kessie, although inconsistent, is a stamina machine who does have moments of brilliance. Two excellent readers of the game would mask some of Kessie’s issues and allow him to play to his strengths.
Tonali seems to be the future of the Italian national team’s midfield and perhaps the Rossoneri‘s.
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