One for the future....and if only it was a red and black one

Since Antonio Cassano was ruled for basically the season two players in particular have emerged as favourites to replace him, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba and Catania’s Maxi Lopez. But, Milan should forget both these players and heed the advice of their former striker, Oliver Bierhoff, who has advised Italian clubs to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Mario Gotze.

“I would suggest that Italian clubs look to sign Mario Gotze,” the former international striker commented.

Why? There are many reasons.

Firstly, in the words of Bierhoff, “he has absolute talent”.

And he does. Already capped by Germany ten times, Gotze is the quintessential attacking midfielder, or as they call them in Italy, trequartista. He can also play on the wing, deeper in midfield and, I am sure of it, he could also play a little further up the field. Suffice to say, he is a versatile player that offers options.

He is fast, boasts great technical quality and has a stroke of creative genius in him too. German legend Matthias Sammer  has called him “one of the best talents we have ever had”.

Another German legend has lavished even more praise on him. Franz Beckenbauer compared him to Barcerlona’s Lionel Messi.

“There is no one playing better than him. He runs through opponents as though they aren’t there. He has the same assets as Lionel Messi in terms of his technique and understanding of the game. He is an instinctive footballer – just like Messi,” Bechenbaur said.

Yes, I realise these are all Germans that are saying such things and they are likely to be a little bias.

But, there is confirmation in the player’s talent in that a host of clubs have been linked to him. Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid. There are possibly others too.

Secondly, the player is young. We do not need any more 30-year-old plus players at the San Siro. Even if it is just for the short term. Sorry Drogba but you are way over the line.

Some might say too young, he is only 19-years-old. But, like Germany boss Joachim Low recently suggested, while cognitive development is important it is not one’s age that determines how fast it develops. Low has been utilising a host of young players in his side and it has worked incredibly well. The 3-3 draw with Ukraine aside, Germany remain perhaps the second best favourite to win Euro 2012, after Spain of course.

Referring to Gotze, in particular, Low also said, “Mario Gotze and others – they are very mature even in their younger years.“

Too young? This is not a valid argument against signing Gotze.

The third reason why Milan should buy him? Because we still do not have a reputable trequartista. Simple as that. Alberto Aquilani, Kevin Prince Boateng and Riccardo Montolivo – if he arrives – are all best deployed deeper in midfield.

The fourth and final reason is that we already have enough strikers. Pato, Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pippo Inzaghi – who I believe could contribute much more if only given the chance – and lastly, Stephen El Shaarawy. We have five strikers, we do not need another. And let us remember also, Antonio Cassano is not dead. He will return and this will make it a total of six strikers.

Back to reality. We probably will not sign Gotze purely because so many big clubs are after him. Italian clubs do not have that kind of pulling power anymore. Everyone wants to play for either Barcelona or Real Madrid these days and if not those two, it is Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

It is a real bummer. Gotze would be perfect. Playing in behind Ibra and Pato or Robinho and Cassano when he returns; it would make for a fearsome attacking trident. Okay, I will stop dreaming.