5 things we learned from Real Madrid versus AC Milan
NEW YORK – AUGUST 08: Sami Khedira #6 of Real Madrid and Mathieu Flamini #16 of A.C. Milan fight for the ball during their match at Yankee Stadium on August 8, 2012 in New York City.
It may have been just a preseason friendly but Real Madrid has already shunned its critics in letting everyone know that it is the team to fear this upcoming season. At halftime, Milan’s shots tally was doubled by Madrid with the possession nearly gratifying 65-35 to Madrid. Despite the Italian giants plagued with transfers and injuries, they were expected to put up a fight. However, that didn’t happen and Madrid ran out guns in the second half. The game ended 5-1 but had the Los Blancos capitalized on their 27 shots in the game, the match well would have ended close to double digits in Madrid’s goal column.
2. Kaka is still worth the buzz
Does Madrid really need Modric or any other big name in their side to fill in the shoes of the declining Kaka?
The Brazilian outshined the Milan midfield and defense on his route to 3 assists in the games, adding to his monumental playmaking omnipresence throughout the game. The headlines may have surrounded Cristiano Ronaldo’s fruition but Ricardo Kaka showed why is still got in his socks to earn a place back in Mourinho’s side. Continuing on his preseason form, Kaka produced a glimpse of his magic that earned him the World Player of the Year in 2007. Not only was he evincing the yester glorious days of himself with his crafty footwork and dribbling, but Kaka was highlighting his creativity and dexterity that made him the third most expensive transfer. Will this performance spark the rise of the new Ricardo Kaka?
3. Milan desperately need to fill the void of Thiago Silva
Phillipe Mexes, Cristian Zapata, De Sciglio, Daniele Bonera, Ignazio Abate, Mario Yepes and Luca Antonini. Those are the names that Massi Allegri has in his disposal to substitute for Thaigo Silva’s ubiquity. Against Real Madrid, this void was exposed so dramatically that the likes of Higuain, Ronaldo, Kaka and Alvaro Morata tantalized the Milan defense. Often, the centre backs were three-four strides behind Ronaldo or Higuain, the flanks were left wide open and the through balls slipped into the Milan defense far too easily. Whoever Allegri transfers in this summer, his first priority is to fill this loophole. There were several instances in the game when Milan couldn’t hold onto possession in their own half – something that hardly ensued during Silva’s commanding presence last season.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo – write him off at your own peril
Last season, Ronaldo became the fastest goal scorer to reach 100 league goals. Couple that with the fact he plays on the right midfield where he chipped in with 16 assists. Resounding, isn’t it? Well, I think that is only a small fraction of what Ronaldo has in store for this season. His performance against Milan illustrated why not many defenders can count on themselves to shut this Portuguese freak. He dazzled past almost every defender in the friendly with ease, so much that two men were marking him throughout the game. What further tides to his benediction is the presence of Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil in the line-up who will ceaselessly supply Ronaldo with goal scoring opportunities. Watch out Lionel, there’s a monstrous season awaiting Cristiano Ronaldo.
5. Milan were an incomplete team without star players
No Alexandre Pato. No Christian Zapata. No Phillipe Mexes. No Ricardo Montolivo. Milan not only missed four key players but a quartet that would certainly link up a game decisive play. From Mexes to Zapata and then the connection between Montolivo and Pato, the game could have been a whole lot different. Despite their shambolic outing in NY, I would put my money on Milan to push Juventus to the brink of another title challenge. With three weeks to ago, Allegri could bring in another quality star or two that could transform Milan into a championship side once again. And don’t Juventus have to deal with Conte’s suspension as of now? It is sure going to be close in the Serie A this season with both teams missing out key personnel.