Ronaldinho back to his best

Following another convincing win which this time has seen us thrash Siena by four goals to nil, I am going to take a leap of faith by declaring that Ronaldinho is back. Ronaldinho’s performance last night was absolutely world class as he made countless runs and dribbles that constantly posed problems for the Siena defence. He was simply unplayable. Oh yes, and he also scored three goals too, including a wonder goal for his third. It was a master class performance by Ronaldinho and the whole Milan side as we inch two points closer to Inter.

This team that Leo has formed never ceases to amaze me at the moment. For sure I believed that we could always achieve the minimum target of qualifying for the UCL and making the knockout stage of this year’s UCL. But, I have to admit that I did not expect Leo, in his first season as coach, to be able to turn the team around so dramatically and have us playing such a beautiful attacking style football that is both ruthless and entertaining at the same time. The team is showing real cohesion as the players seem so very clear on what their role is and how they fit into the team’s shape.

Since the beginning of the year, we have simply been in mesmerizing form, scoring twelve goals in three matches whilst only conceding two. We have been romping to victory this year and on current form only a fool would discount us from winning the Serie A or the Champions League or both.

Ronaldinho’s performance tonight was the standout for sure. But Pirlo, playing in a more advanced role and with the license to roam, was also excellent. He again was the nerve center in the middle of the pitch, dictating play with his superb array of passing. He also provided an excellent assist for Borriello to score his one goal for the night.

With Pirlo in excellent form in his more advanced role in midfield, Leo has much to think about when Seedorf returns from injury. It is no coincidence that with the absence of Seedorf, and the inclusion of Gattuso in midfield instead, we have looked a more stronger and balanced side. The results speak for themselves with three convincing wins in a row.

For Gattuso, though not playing at his best, provides the defensive mettle in midfield that allows Pirlo to concentrate on dictating play. Alongside box to box midfielder Ambrosini (or Flamini) there is a much better balance in midfield. In my opinion, there is no room for Seedorf when he comes back. For me, he is a straight substitution for Pirlo’s role, but with Pirlo in fine form along with the fact that without Pirlo we always struggle, Seedorf will have to fight for his starting berth upon return from injury.

I have to admit that I am slowly warming to Borriello. For sure I am a big fan of Huntelaar still, but things, unfortunately so, just do not seem to be working out for him at the moment.

But for Borriello, things just keep getting better and better. His displays have been improving significantly all season long and he now is scoring regularly. Not only are the goals becoming more consistent from Borriello, but his all round game has improved. He is now holding the ball up well, his first touch has improved greatly and he has the confidence in himself to get by his marker. But, what is most impressive about his game is his work rate. His goal against Siena was absolutely world class too and on current form, he must surely have entered the thoughts of Marcello Lippi who is in need of a target man like Borriello.

At the back, Abate continued his improvement at right back whilst at left back Antonini was again outstanding. Both players were tidy in defence whilst both contributed well to the attack. On current form, Zambrotta is going to have to fight for his place too when he returns from injury.

In fact, even Pato will have to fight for his place too. For Beckham, though not at his best tonight, provides more cover down the right flank which enables Abate the freedom to use his pace and get forward. His crosses and free kicks are also exceptional and for this reason he is always capable of providing an assist or two. His workrate is also outstanding along with the leadership he is able to provide on pitch. Even though Beckham may now be 34, it has been rumoured that he may stay in Milan and I hope he does.

An important week lies ahead as we face Udinese in midweek before that all important Milan derby next weekend. We now are only six points behind Inter still with a game in hand. For this reason, the derby is of great importance for if we can win, we will be in touching distance of Inter and our claim to be Serie A champions may just start to become a reality.