Rade Krunic has increased his chances of playing from start in AC Milan’s clash against Napoli after the international break. Yesterday, as he played from start for Bosnian, he scored a brace.
The midfielder, who’s able to play in several different roles, has been used a lot by Stefano Pioli this season and especially this year. Away at Tottenham, for example, he was chosen ahead of Ismael Bennacer in the midfield tandem.
Yesterday, he played from start for Bosnia in the Euro Qualifiers against Iceland and he scored a brace in the first half. He did what he does best, adding presence inside the box and making the most of a couple of loose balls.
Thanks to his performance last night, he has also increased his chances of playing from start against Napoli. Pioli could revert to the 4-2-3-1 formation and Krunic could get the chance in the No.10 role, with Brahim Diaz keeping a role on the flank.
Pioli wants a new formation here you go: 5-3-2
—————————Maignan———————–
Calabria—Kalulu—–Thiaw—-Tomori—-Theo
——–Bennacer——-Tonali—–Krunic———–
———————-Giroud—Leao——————–
Simple!
Just my 2cents.
I’ve seen enough evidence that Leao looks suffocated at front 2 role, and he tends to drift left looking for clear air.
I think a 4-3-3 (or 4-3-2 (wide)-1) would suit him better, and the presence of 3 MF might just prevent us getting streamrolled in the mid every week and add some steel. Kalulu and Theo should do a lot of forward bombardment.
Maignan
Kalulu – Kjaer – Thiaw/Tomori – Theo
Bennacer – Tonali – Krunic
Saelemakers ———————– Leao
Giroud
The problem with this is already obvious. Saelemakers isn’t cut out for this formation, and I can see why Maldini wants Zaniolo during the winter. Messias should be more suited with this role, however, dude is inconsistent in his finishing..
Yes, CDK and Diaz would be rendered useless, but actually, if Pioli is daring enough, they could be tried as RW. CDK’s heatmap actually suggested he’s probably more suited there too.
Dude, spot on. Although, bear with me for a sec. If we started culturing CDK into the no.9 position, he might just break out. 4.3.3 instead of the xmas tree formation with Rafa and CDK interswitching between false 9 and left wing. RW can be Messias, or Alexis when we need to defend a lead. Brahim can come in on the RW or as a Sub midfielder to switch to 4.2.3.1. This way, Leao is in his natural element and has creative freedom to hug the line or cut in and switch with CDK. 4.3.3. false 9 might work but we’d need CDK to occupy the centre or we need to get a mobile 9. Maybe Balogun or even better, Thuram. But for now we have to incorporate CDK and this is the best way to do it IMO..🤷
CDK doesn’t have the physical attributes to be a successful no. 9 in the Serie A (nevermind the EPL). He doesn’t use his upper body to shield the ball/jostle. Have you noticed how he runs like a t-rex (small arms)? He doesn’t own the space he is in. He’s like Diaz but in a larger frame.
This is not that different from what we’ve been using, and as Bunga2 points out, it doesn’t solve the biggest issue, which is attacking width leading to space and therefore chances.
I see we have some FIFA and Football Manager ppl in the comments today. Change formation equals success, now why haven’t we thought of that before 🤔