Ronaldinho set to be benched against Ajax
According to latest media reports in Italy, AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is set to bench playmaker forward Ronaldinho against Ajax on Tuesday. The Brazilian winger has failed to adapt to any other formation except the 4-3-3 and the coach might want
to tinker a bit with his tactics. Ronaldinho was often criticized for playing below par away from San Siro last season. His performances in away fixtures so far this season haven’t been particularly impressive, prompting the coach to drop him for the visit.
Ronaldinho has been the target of transfer speculation since last season and the latest reports are likely to fuel such rumours even further.
According to reports, Ronaldinho, Pirlo and Boateng are set to be rested too. However, it will all depend on the tactics that the manager will use. Allegri is likely to use a 4-4-2 or a 4-1-2-1-2 diamond formation just like Carlo Ancelotti used to tremendous
effect during his reign at San Siro. Such a formation would mean Seedorf and Pirlo will act as ‘top-down’ playmakers of the team. Robinho and Ibrahimovic will start upfront for Milan with Seedorf playing in a trequartista role while Pirlo will take his usual
deep lying playmaker role.
If Milan decides to play a 4-4-2 formation, Robinho is expected to feature on the left wing and the evergreen Inzaghi will partner Ibrahimovic upfront. Contrary to common belief, the reports suggest that Milan will not be going all out for a win as even
a draw would mean Milan lies second in the group.
Allegri has also gone on to admit that playing Inzaghi and Ibrahimovic together in a 4-3-3 formation was a mistake. Milan coach played Ibrahimovic on the right wing position and Inzaghi as the striker during the club’s 1 – 1 draw stalemate against Catania
and the experiment flopped horribly. Ibra tends to move away from the box and set up his teammates and Allegri believes Ibrahimovic will relish the partnership of Inzaghi In a 4-4-2 formation.
Tomorrow’s fixtures will also see Seedorf lining up against his former club where he started his football career. The Milan legend won his first UEFA Champions League with Ajax and the midfielder still holds Ajax dear to his heart. Many are expecting a
warm welcome for Seedorf upon his emotional return.
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