Saelemaekers and Messias are not those of a year ago: the comparison of the numbers with the other big names is merciless. And not only…
The right flank loses blows. And not from today, by the way, even if the right wing has always been a passion for Pioli. The key word is balance: if on the other side Leao rips, creates and scores – with Theo’s help – then there must be balance on the other side. This is why Saelemaekers has always been one of his pupils, deployed as a starter four times out of six in January 2023, often alternating with Messias. However, the data for this start of the season tell us that neither of them has had a big impact, especially if we compare them with the right wings of Italy and Europe.
Numbers
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Saelemaekers, so far, has scored two goals in the Champions League in 14 season games (with one assist). He was in the pits for a couple of months with a knee injury, while last year he only missed a couple of races. Messias however, a completely different profile compared to the Belgian, certainly more technical and more lively ball and chain, scored three goals in 19 games (decisive with Sampdoria). In detail, the former Anderlecht player has only completed three dribbles this season, while the Brazilian is at 11. Net of physical problems, in the general one-on-one standings they are even behind defenders like Parisi, Mazzocchi, Holm, Cambiaso or Kyriakopoulos. At the top is the usual Leao. Also behind for key passes (8 Messias, 6 Saelemaekers) and big chances (2 for the Brazilian, only one for Alexis). The ex Crotone managed to complete only one cross out of 12. Little incisiveness, therefore.
Compare
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The comparison with the best performing full-backs in Serie A remains unequal. Let’s take Felipe Anderson, sometimes employed as a false 9: six goals and three assists in the league, almost all scored playing wing. He is the second best dribbler after Leao. And on the other side there is Zaccagni with 8 goals. Of course, Sarri prefers an offensive game, but the question remains. Napoli have Lozano and Politano, both with three goals and three assists in 18 games. About thirty successful dribbles in two (with 9 big chances created and 45 key passes). We could also add Strefezza with 6 goals or even Lookman with 11, even if the Nigerian often played as a second striker and not as a right winger. European chapter: United have 7 goals from Antony, Real 9 from Rodrygo (with 6 assists), while Liverpool show off the usual Salah (already 17 goals). Mahrez’s 10 rings with City are also added. Different contexts.
Need
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Pioli reiterated that Milan are “all right”. Maldini tried to invest in Zaniolo, but the owners preferred not to grant another budget. The numbers and data of Saelemaekers and Messias, however, demonstrate that something is missing on the right. Goals, assists, offensive contribution. Perhaps the balance could be sacrificed to be able to get out of the crisis. Maybe betting on Ziyech? He who knows. The Moroccan is one of the dots of the upper floors since the summer. In 2018-19 he had his best season scoring 21 goals for Ajax. This year he has hardly been seen at Chelsea – one assist in 15 games – but he has played in a great World Cup with Morocco. He can play playmaker and right winger. Left-handed is always golden. Milan is missing someone like this.
January 28, 2023 (change January 28, 2023 | 18:28)
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