Quite simply, had it not been for the many talents of the wonderfully gifted Ronaldinho, last season would have been an outright disaster for the Rossoneri. The Brazilian was Milan’s main creative force going forward last season and a very effective one at that as the former world player of the year accumulated an impressive tally of 14 assists in Serie A, the highest of any player in the league.
It is no coincidence that Milan’s season, after a horrid start, only got better when Ronaldinho got better. For a time, many thought that the Brazilian was on his way back to his brilliant best. But, whilst at times he was brilliant, he never got quite to being at his best.
One suspects that Ronaldinho, if he really wanted to, could get back to his best or very close to it. It would just require more fitness training and of course much more motivation. But Ronaldinho, unfortunate as it is, simply does not have the motivation any more.
This was shown by his questionable level of fitness throughout last season. On the pitch, it has also been clearly visible by his painfully low work rate and commitment.
Ronaldinho’s lack of motivation may also prove to be a reason why he decides to leave Milan. A final stint at either Galaxy or Flamengo will suit the Brazilian. At both these clubs he will not have half the pressure he would if he were to stay at the San Siro. Whether it be for the Galaxy or Flamengo, just his presence will satisfy local fans. Unlike in Milan where fans will expect him to continue carrying the mantle for this much trouble Milan side.
But, for Milan, there is a great danger if the decision is made to let him go. The reason being that due to the severe lack of quality and depth in the current Milan squad, losing Ronaldinho would be a significant loss to a team already in a precarious state.
What is even more concerning is that not one attacking midfielder, a player that could replace Ronaldinho, has been linked with a move to the club. This is because of the simple fact that Galliani, for some completely unknown reason, is bent on bringing in another striker to Milan when this is the one department in the Milan squad that does not need reinforcements.
If Ronaldinho leaves, Milan will lose their main attacking threat. Milan’s other main attacking threat, Pato, without Ronaldinho, will be rendered less effective.
Letting Ronaldinho go is not what the main problem is here. For all his talents and his great contribution to the team last year, Ronaldinho does not have the motivation any longer to really benefit Milan in the long run. Letting him go now whilst the club can still get money for him is a good decision to make.
However, if Ronaldinho does leave then there is no other option but to bring in another attacking midfielder who can replace him. Unfortunately, it does not seem that the club thinks the same way and this is the real danger.
With Allegri expected to play a 4-3-1-2 system, that requires a traditional trequartista to play in behind the strikers and direct the attack, exactly who in the current Milan side could competently and consistently perform well in this role.
The answer is no one. Clarence Seedorf is, like many current Milan players, far beyond his best. The Dutchman cannot be expected to play such an important role for such a great club in the year that he will turn 35 years old.
Nor can Andrea Pirlo be sacrificed from his midfield role as that would leave only Massimo Ambrosini, Mathieu Flamini and Gennaro Gattuso to play in midfield. A scary thought indeed.
The only other option is Pato. The young Brazilian’s pace and ability to run at defenders and beat them would help take defenders out of the game and leave one of the two strikers in front of him free. His passing ability and creativity, however, would perhaps need some work. But, Pato is perhaps the best available option.
Within the current Milan squad, it is clear that there would be a real need for an attacking midfielder if Ronaldinho leaves. But, given how the transfer campaign has gone so far for Milan, there is little hope that such a player would be brought in.
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