The world of football, particularly during the preseason, often resembles a grand laboratory where coaches conduct audacious experiments, test new compounds, and occasionally stumble upon unexpected breakthroughs. For AC Milan, the recent friendly against Arsenal in Singapore wasn`t just another exhibition match; it was the stage for a compelling tactical trial, featuring none other than American star Christian Pulisic in a strikingly unfamiliar role.
A New Blueprint: Pulisic as a Forward?
With Massimiliano Allegri making his much-anticipated return to the AC Milan dugout, curiosity was high regarding his initial tactical blueprint. The match, which saw the Rossoneri fall 1-0 to a Bukayo Saka goal, quickly pivoted from a mere scoreline to a deeper discussion about player positioning. All eyes were on Christian Pulisic, who, for the first half, was deployed not on his customary wing, but as a central striker, partnering with the explosive Rafael Leao in a 3-5-2 formation. He was later replaced by Noah Okafor at halftime, but the impression had already been made.
The `Why` Behind the Unconventional Shift
This tactical twist was not merely Allegri`s creative whim; it was a pragmatic response to AC Milan`s current squad dynamics. With Luka Jovic and Tammy Abraham having departed as their contracts expired on June 30, and young striker Lorenzo Colombo expected to leave on loan, the central forward position has become a temporary void. While Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez is anticipated to join in early August, Allegri needed an immediate solution, and Pulisic, it seems, was the chosen candidate for this provisional, yet intriguing, arrangement.
The experiment offered several points of interest. Pulisic, despite playing centrally, often drifted to the left side of the attack, where he is most naturally comfortable. A significant portion of his 34 first-half touches originated from this flank, hinting at a hybrid role that allowed him to both operate as a pseudo-striker and exploit wider channels. This setup also appeared to liberate Leao, allowing the Portuguese winger greater freedom to roam across the attack without being burdened by stringent defensive responsibilities—a potentially potent combination if honed effectively.
Early Readings and Potential Implications
While Pulisic did not register a single shot in his 45 minutes on the pitch – a statistic that would typically send shivers down a striker`s spine – the initial assessment suggests that the American international demonstrated a capacity to adapt and contribute from this new position. His previous stints primarily as a right or left winger, and occasionally as a number 10 behind a central striker, have undoubtedly equipped him with the versatility required for such a hybrid role.
This tactical test, though preliminary, could represent a significant shift for both Pulisic and AC Milan. It’s a testament to the fluid nature of modern football, or perhaps a temporary act of tactical desperation, where a coach leverages player versatility to overcome immediate roster challenges. Should this experiment yield positive results, it could permanently alter Pulisic`s trajectory at Milan, offering him a multi-faceted role that combines elements of a secondary striker, a false nine, and a roaming attacking midfielder. Such versatility would undoubtedly also catch the eye of the USA national team coach, who might find a new dimension in Pulisic`s game.
Speaking after the match to Milan TV, coach Allegri commented on the performance:
“Leao put in an excellent performance, just like all the other players. I`m satisfied with him. When we lose, even in a friendly, I`m never completely happy, but now it`s important to prepare well for the rest of the season. And it should be noted that we were facing one of the strongest teams in Europe. For sixty minutes, we played on par with them.”
The Road Ahead for the Rossoneri
For AC Milan, the upcoming season presents a challenging but focused path. Having failed to qualify for European competitions last campaign, their ambitions are squarely set on domestic success: the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia, with Champions League qualification standing as the undisputed primary goal. The preseason friendlies, therefore, are not just about match fitness but about sculpting a team capable of achieving these targets.
The tactical fluidity displayed in the Arsenal match, particularly with Pulisic`s unexpected role, suggests Allegri is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for optimization. The team`s next test arrives quickly, with a friendly against Liverpool scheduled for Saturday. These early encounters serve as crucial proving grounds for both established stars and bold new tactical concepts.
What might seem like a mere friendly skirmish against Arsenal has, in fact, unveiled a potentially fascinating chapter in Christian Pulisic`s career at AC Milan. His brief, yet significant, stint as a central forward marks not just a positional shift, but an intriguing tactical proposition for Massimiliano Allegri. As the preseason unfolds, the football world will be watching to see if this striker`s gambit pays off, paving a new path for Pulisic and bolstering AC Milan`s charge towards their domestic aspirations.
Percy Harlow