In the heart of Milan, a footballing revolution is underway, and two names stand at the forefront: Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic. AC Milan’s renaissance, from a club once in turmoil to one now flying high in Serie A, can largely be attributed to these two space-changers who have breathed new life into the Rossoneri.
A mere three months ago, Milan was a club mired in uncertainty. New ownership, helmed by Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital Partners, had raised eyebrows with the controversial departure of club icon Paolo Maldini from his role as sporting director. Furthermore, fan-favorite Sandro Tonali was sold to Newcastle United for a staggering sum. Milan seemed destined for a tumultuous summer akin to Tottenham Hotspur’s post-Gareth Bale era in 2013.
However, the start of the 2023-2024 season has ushered in a new era of optimism for Milanisti. With three wins from three matches, eight goals scored, and only two conceded, AC Milan currently shares the Serie A summit with rivals Inter Milan. So, how did this transformation occur?
The answer lies in the astute signings of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic, acquired from Chelsea after being deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge. These two talents, aged 27 and 24 respectively, were not merely investments for the future; they brought immediate impact to Milan’s midfield.
Loftus-Cheek’s Role
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, in particular, has brought a fascinating dimension to Milan’s tactics. Last season, manager Stefano Pioli predominantly employed a 4-2-3-1 formation with Sandro Tonali and Ismael Bennacer as double pivots. While this setup aimed to facilitate the team’s connection with left-winger Rafael Leao through a creative No. 10, it often faltered as opposition defenses stifled Milan’s attacking flow.
This season, Pioli has masterminded a shift to a 4-3-3 formation. Loftus-Cheek, partnered with fellow newcomer Tijjani Reijnders, occupies one of the two box-to-box No. 8 roles, with Rade Krunic providing defensive cover as the sole sweeper. The outcome has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Milan’s fluidity and unpredictability have markedly improved with this tactical adjustment. Loftus-Cheek’s ability to make piercing runs from the right wing, complemented by the explosive duo of Theo Hernandez and Leao on the left, has revitalized Milan’s attack. His knack for dribbling past defenders, shielding the ball, and providing key passes makes him a unique and invaluable presence in midfield.
The Pulisic Factor
Christian Pulisic, too, has found his niche in this resurgent Milan side. Pulisic’s versatility as a right-winger, capable of coming inside and hugging the touchline, offered Milan a multifaceted attacking approach. With support from Loftus-Cheek and the presence of Leao on the opposite wing, Pulisic remains unmarked by opposition defenders. Moreover, Olivier Giroud’s willingness to link up with his teammates adds another dimension to Milan’s attacking playbook.
The partnership between Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic is auspicious. Their synergy is evident in their movement on the pitch, with Loftus-Cheek often making wide runs to create space for Pulisic’s incisive passes.
Pulisic’s role as a goalscoring winger was precisely what Milan had been searching for. His ability to both cut inside and provide crosses, along with his unpredictability, has enhanced Milan’s offensive firepower.
As Milan seeks to build on this impressive start to the season, the contributions of Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic, and their midfield partner Reijnders will be pivotal. Their goalscoring prowess, combined with Milan’s formidable attacking quartet, including Giroud and Leao, has the potential to make the Rossoneri a dominant force in Serie A.
AC Milan is no longer predictable and sluggish in attack. Thanks to these space-changers, Milan is back on track to recapture its glory days in Italian football. With a team growing in confidence and creativity, Milan’s resurgence could be just the beginning of a new era of success for the club.
