Ibra Dependency Over... Seedorf Dependency Begins

What would we do if Seedorf got injured? Who would be the creative force to drive the team forward? Emanuelson can't hold up play as well as his fellow countryman, and his one-footedness is a disadvantage. He is a natural winger, anyway. Aquilani is always drifting out of games. Cassano and Ibra have a terrible work rate. Pato and Robinho are too inconsistent.

This team is reliant on Seedorf for a creative spark in midfield, to link the attack to the rest of the team, to hold up the ball, to take the free kicks... We need another creative midfielder in January. Aquilani is not the answer. One brilliant diving header does not make up for being absent in the other 89 minutes of the match.

Today's defeat to Napoli showed a great flaw. Milan can cope with any mid table team who decides to park the bus, but when quality opposition drop off and play on the counter, our lack of pace and creativity in midfield is exploited. Milan relied on Seedorf in the middle of the pitch to pass the ball around, and when caught out in possession, the midifeld three were left in the wake of Napoli's faster midfield, leading to a Cavani triple.

Having a big center forward to work the attack around (Ibrahimovic) would certainly have helped today. Cassano and Pato were poor.

It seems that Allegri will never play with two passers in midfield unless he is desperate for a goal. Milan need to buy another Seedorf type player ASAP.





Yes, we won the Scudetto last year, but the true glory days are over. Our current crop of midfield players in their prime are simply not comparable to years past.

Seedorf, Pirlo, Gattuso, Kaka, Rui Costa, Ambrosini... their replacements never arrived

Nocerino? He is a good player, but not as good as Ringhio.

Aquilani? He will never pass the ball with the likes of Seedorf or Pirlo.

El Shaarawy, Merkel, Strasser? Only time will tell if they can realize their potential.

I hope Milan can produce a youngster worthy of replacing just one member of the old guard. Verdi and Fossati are promising.







In the end, there can only be one...

"Seedorf, Pirlo, Gattuso, Kaka, Rui Costa, Ambrosini... their replacements never arrived"

this is what annoys me the most

is this serious...seedorf dependency...he was utter crap today him and pato...

How about instead of writing one line which contributes nothing at all to the forum, you two actually give reasons to support your position.

IMO Seedorf is the link from midfield to attack. We lack passers of the ball in midfield. How would we cope without Seedorf? I ask you.

@ Ganso - why does this annoy you? I do not understand. Is it because they are legendary, irreplaceable players? In some ways they are. Or do you mean that their replacements have arrived? Please explain.

@ nichabr - Seedorf was not crap today. The players around him were. As I said, when a quality team drop off to play on the counter, you need passers of the ball. How can Seedorf create when their is nobody supporting him? When they play with 10 behind the ball? When the strikers had a horrid time?

Ganso (the player) was expected to sign window and replace Seedorf but Santos won the Copa and he wants to play in the CWC

So we just have to make do until January when Ganso and/or Monty arrives

@Pine,it annoys me that no one arrived to replace these veterans(or at least Pirlo and Ronaldinho)

Ganso wrote:@Pine,it annoys me that no one arrived to replace these veterans(or at least Pirlo and Ronaldinho)

Oops in my haste I failed to understand your post.

Seedorf was pathetic today to say the least, I'd say we missed Boateng's dynamism big time, team was utter slow. Starting Bonera over Antonini was a mistake.

Same problems. No creative force. 2 players needed to solve this

nichabr wrote:is this serious...seedorf dependency...he was utter crap today him and pato...

Think of what you wrote and what the OP is trying to say and see that both of you are on the same page.

Seedorf dependency, means if he is on his day we can play fine and pull a +ive result Barca game comes to mind, if he is not on the pitch (Lazio) or plays crap (Napoli) see what appened.

We need someone else with him.

It is true... Seedorf dependency, when he plays poorly, the whole team does.

Even worst than Ibra dependency because Seedorf is the only link between our defense and attack. Aquilani isn't the answer yeah, because he is a more direct player like Boateng. We do need someone to dictate our midfield, to retain posssession, and in our current team, we only have Seedorf that is able to do that. His age make it more difficult as he will lose stamina and consistency if over used.

But I think what we missed last night was Boateng. People say we should use Binho or Cassano as AM but I think they forget how much balance Boateng give to our midfield. His stats was far from impressive last season but he is still our starter for some reason, and last night was an example why we need energy and dynamism in our AM, not passing and creativty as Binho or even Cassano would have fill that position if the later is what we need.

PinePHresh wrote:How about instead of writing one line which contributes nothing at all to the forum, you two actually give reasons to support your position.

IMO Seedorf is the link from midfield to attack. We lack passers of the ball in midfield. How would we cope without Seedorf? I ask you.

@ Ganso - why does this annoy you? I do not understand. Is it because they are legendary, irreplaceable players? In some ways they are. Or do you mean that their replacements have arrived? Please explain.

@ nichabr - Seedorf was not crap today. The players around him were. As I said, when a quality team drop off to play on the counter, you need passers of the ball. How can Seedorf create when their is nobody supporting him? When they play with 10 behind the ball? When the strikers had a horrid time?

what did he do well today? gain possesion run into our own half them pass it back to the CBs every time?..for someone as creative as him he should see people in open space not turn away from them and run (jog) back to our own half then pass back to the defenders.....all the people who spew hate on players like antonini have got to realise whose the guy covering for him most of the time..seedorf should not start for milan anymore...

The idea that we need another creative influence in the middle of the park has merit, we all know that. However I disagree that this translates into Seedorf dependency as related by the opening post, certainly due to the categorical dismissal of Aquilani, Ibrahimovic, Cassano, Pato and Robinho for various reasons as unsuitable for the position.

Whilst a reason was given for not believing in any of these options, their influence on our style of play is first underrated and secondly their effects in tandem are the single most important effect to avoiding any unhealthy dependence upon an individual.

Seedorf's importance is naturally elevated during times of 'crisis' and I use the term only as it is liberally splashed around, when our major creative influences are suspended or unfit, however even when we are bereft of options, it is not enough to simply state that Seedorf, as the only remaining creative option, is not only the fulcrum of our play but the key to our success.

We're all still brushing off the rust of pre-season and gaining fitness, hoping to see new faces integrated and momentum gained. At this stage of the season we lack the confidence, fitness and the obsession with victory that comes from the gaining of hard fought points in the league and the sniff of the chase. Short on general game time, ever so complacent, lacking the confidence that quickens the step, we're going to lack the dynamic ability to pull a result out of thin air, to win the key moments in games, cut out errors and buckle down the hatches when we need to that makes a champion team. It's also what emphasises a lack of creativity when there is only one influence on the pitch, however it doesn't mean that our team as it stands is incapable of changing our style of play or breaking down good defences.

Ibrahimovic will absolutely break himself to get this league title if he has to. Cassano has his ups and downs; I defended him at the end of last season and he rewards us with a positive two games, before he's lauded and quickly offers two tepid displays. The lack of match fitness across the whole team doesn't help the forward who has had to play constantly and shoulder the burden up front in the various absences of Pato, Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Inzaghi and any other who might rest him for the proper time. The man has feet to dream with and he will have his say on the pitch and in defining our ability to break down teams, big and small, in Serie A.

The likes of Robinho, our golden boy Pato and Aquilani can and will at various times during this season be seen to be carrying these team, however it's no more than the natural swaying of form and illusion during a season. Each plays a real and permanent role in assisting each other and reducing our dependency.

At the very beginning of the season, there's honestly not much to be gained from our style of play and the confidence we show. Once we're fit and one team then we can judge if we're falling off the tracks. Before then we can just hope we're good enough to grab the points, sit back and enjoy and hope that another name, that of el Shaarawy, adds his name to the ring when the time comes to go on those runs which define championships. It isn't volcano day yet.

P.S. 1000th post, thanks guys, you've been great.

We need to wake the #$^$ Up!!!!!!
We have a good team but they need to show heart.
1 point!!!!!! are you kidding me!!!!! we can keep this up. And wednesday we play Di Natale. What a start of the season. If we loose that game too (which it is possible) we are in trouble.

Sorry always Forza Milan but needed to vent.

dostoevsky wrote:The idea that we need another creative influence in the middle of the park has merit, we all know that. However I disagree that this translates into Seedorf dependency as related by the opening post, certainly due to the categorical dismissal of Aquilani, Ibrahimovic, Cassano, Pato and Robinho for various reasons as unsuitable for the position.

Whilst a reason was given for not believing in any of these options, their influence on our style of play is first underrated and secondly their effects in tandem are the single most important effect to avoiding any unhealthy dependence upon an individual.

Seedorf's importance is naturally elevated during times of 'crisis' and I use the term only as it is liberally splashed around, when our major creative influences are suspended or unfit, however even when we are bereft of options, it is not enough to simply state that Seedorf, as the only remaining creative option, is not only the fulcrum of our play but the key to our success.

We're all still brushing off the rust of pre-season and gaining fitness, hoping to see new faces integrated and momentum gained. At this stage of the season we lack the confidence, fitness and the obsession with victory that comes from the gaining of hard fought points in the league and the sniff of the chase. Short on general game time, ever so complacent, lacking the confidence that quickens the step, we're going to lack the dynamic ability to pull a result out of thin air, to win the key moments in games, cut out errors and buckle down the hatches when we need to that makes a champion team. It's also what emphasises a lack of creativity when there is only one influence on the pitch, however it doesn't mean that our team as it stands is incapable of changing our style of play or breaking down good defences.

Ibrahimovic will absolutely break himself to get this league title if he has to. Cassano has his ups and downs; I defended him at the end of last season and he rewards us with a positive two games, before he's lauded and quickly offers two tepid displays. The lack of match fitness across the whole team doesn't help the forward who has had to play constantly and shoulder the burden up front in the various absences of Pato, Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Inzaghi and any other who might rest him for the proper time. The man has feet to dream with and he will have his say on the pitch and in defining our ability to break down teams, big and small, in Serie A.

The likes of Robinho, our golden boy Pato and Aquilani can and will at various times during this season be seen to be carrying these team, however it's no more than the natural swaying of form and illusion during a season. Each plays a real and permanent role in assisting each other and reducing our dependency.

At the very beginning of the season, there's honestly not much to be gained from our style of play and the confidence we show. Once we're fit and one team then we can judge if we're falling off the tracks. Before then we can just hope we're good enough to grab the points, sit back and enjoy and hope that another name, that of el Shaarawy, adds his name to the ring when the time comes to go on those runs which define championships. It isn't volcano day yet.

P.S. 1000th post, thanks guys, you've been great.

And it was as great as any of them..

Grats Dostoe!

i must agree with you. Lots of food for thought in there as well.

dostoevsky wrote:The idea that we need another creative influence in the middle of the park has merit, we all know that. However I disagree that this translates into Seedorf dependency as related by the opening post, certainly due to the categorical dismissal of Aquilani, Ibrahimovic, Cassano, Pato and Robinho for various reasons as unsuitable for the position.

Whilst a reason was given for not believing in any of these options, their influence on our style of play is first underrated and secondly their effects in tandem are the single most important effect to avoiding any unhealthy dependence upon an individual.

Seedorf's importance is naturally elevated during times of 'crisis' and I use the term only as it is liberally splashed around, when our major creative influences are suspended or unfit, however even when we are bereft of options, it is not enough to simply state that Seedorf, as the only remaining creative option, is not only the fulcrum of our play but the key to our success.

We have other creative players, but how many creative midfielders do we have? Seedorf and Aquilani.

Under Allegri, we became dependent on Ibrahimovic to work his magic when the team was learning to play the 4-3-1-2. Once the team started clicking, it was not so apparent. However, one horrible aspect of play has continued to be synonymous with Allegri's Milan; lack of service to the strikers. When things are going badly, Milan will literally bypass the midfield and hit the ball long to Ibra in desperation. I fail to see how this season will be any different from the last when the crisis in midfield still has not been resolved. We replaced Pirlo with Aquilani... that says it all.

If Seedorf does not play, Aquilani will occupy LCM. He simply doesn't have the quality. Seedorf is so intelligent on the ball. He knows when to hold up play, when to burst forward, how to deceive the opposition and disguise a pass. Seedorf can not play every game or he will burn out and become useless again.

If Allegri continues to show no tactical variation whatsoever, there is no way we will win Serie A again. The league was weak last year. We won by default. Inter probably would have won it with a different coach. Now with a much stronger Napoli, Juventus, Roma, it will be even harder this year.

Allegri has the same plan every match. Our 'balanced' 4-3-1-2 is beaten easily by any quality opposition who play on the counter. When teams attack us in an open game, Milan have to quality to beat anyone. This is when a balanced approach with ball winners in midfield and workhorse fullbacks becomes useful. When others drop off, using players such as Nocerino and Abate to attack is just plain stupid. This is when a Seedorf dependency becomes apparent. There is only one player behind the attackers (LCM) who is good on the ball. It's a bad approach. It's an approach that Napoli exposed. Their game plan was completely different from what we saw at the San Siro.

We are dependent on Seedorf. When he is tired, we will be reliant on Aquilani (nightmare situation) or Ibra (long ball tactics, hope for his wonder goal).

If we are not dependent on Seedorf at this point in time tell me, how often did you see him on the ball in the center of the pitch vs Napoli and Lazio? How often did another midfielder or a fullback play a through ball? Who else is holding up the ball or dribbling out of defense?

You are right. Allegri's biggest problem is that he never switches his tactics or formations to suit the situation at hand. He is firm with his 4 3 1 2, which is costing us in these big games.

What we are really missing is the movement of Robinho, he has the ability to take on any defender and make anyone look stupid. His skills are up there with C. Ronaldo and Messi. For me he is what we are missing the most, sure he misses his fair share of chances, but he creates 10+ chances a game. Whoever he plays with up top it works, he is the unsung hero in attack, I can't wait to see him come back.

The 'hoof-ball' tactics were seen early last season when we were still settling down as a team, but also importantly during the period when Ronaldinho, Seedorf, Robinho and Boateng were given trial runs behind the strikers, not to mention the long injury to Pato during the early months.

Such a regression wasn't synonymous with our play so much as with the infancy of the team's style and constant changes as Allegri attempted to see who was worthy of his team, who could fit his plan and a general lack of composure that was bound to exist as the team settled down.

Once our forces in attack are back and importantly our midfield is fit, then we can witness the hustle required to reduce the importance of Seedorf to our midfield. We can't dismiss Aquilani who has only been with our squad for just over a week. Robinho took quite a while to settle down, having been labelled by some as inconsistent and unlikely to succeed at a top team again, however each player has qualities that can be brought out in the right system and similarly Aquilani's talent is certainly sufficient for our midfield. What we need to deal with is inconsistency, however we can't make any judgements on that over a period of three games. As I said before, in the first few games we're refinding our feet; judgement should be held over until later. He wasn't my first choice, however I still consider him an upgrade within our midfield in Seedorf's place.

Tactical variation to the midfield trio - for example through the use of Emanuelson who showed against Barcelona that he can improve ball retension and additionally offer an ability to carry the ball well - combined with the use of our various trequartista options who each have their different qualities, not to mention the ability of our front two strikers to offer different avenues dependent on the partnership will be enough to tide over our team until we find new midfield generals. Seedorf is important in his own way, however if both he and Aquilani fail to be dominant forces we have the quality to make up for their deficiencies and settle for solid performances from them. We have the risk-takers and we have the firepower, I'm not worried. The most important thing is that we regain our fitness and organisation as quickly as possible to stop our backline leaking. Once that is fixed we'll be screaming up the table.

PinePHresh wrote:

dostoevsky wrote:The idea that we need another creative influence in the middle of the park has merit, we all know that. However I disagree that this translates into Seedorf dependency as related by the opening post, certainly due to the categorical dismissal of Aquilani, Ibrahimovic, Cassano, Pato and Robinho for various reasons as unsuitable for the position.

Whilst a reason was given for not believing in any of these options, their influence on our style of play is first underrated and secondly their effects in tandem are the single most important effect to avoiding any unhealthy dependence upon an individual.

Seedorf's importance is naturally elevated during times of 'crisis' and I use the term only as it is liberally splashed around, when our major creative influences are suspended or unfit, however even when we are bereft of options, it is not enough to simply state that Seedorf, as the only remaining creative option, is not only the fulcrum of our play but the key to our success.

We have other creative players, but how many creative midfielders do we have? Seedorf and Aquilani.

Under Allegri, we became dependent on Ibrahimovic to work his magic when the team was learning to play the 4-3-1-2. Once the team started clicking, it was not so apparent. However, one horrible aspect of play has continued to be synonymous with Allegri's Milan; lack of service to the strikers. When things are going badly, Milan will literally bypass the midfield and hit the ball long to Ibra in desperation. I fail to see how this season will be any different from the last when the crisis in midfield still has not been resolved. We replaced Pirlo with Aquilani... that says it all.

If Seedorf does not play, Aquilani will occupy LCM. He simply doesn't have the quality. Seedorf is so intelligent on the ball. He knows when to hold up play, when to burst forward, how to deceive the opposition and disguise a pass. Seedorf can not play every game or he will burn out and become useless again.

If Allegri continues to show no tactical variation whatsoever, there is no way we will win Serie A again. The league was weak last year. We won by default. Inter probably would have won it with a different coach. Now with a much stronger Napoli, Juventus, Roma, it will be even harder this year.

Allegri has the same plan every match. Our 'balanced' 4-3-1-2 is beaten easily by any quality opposition who play on the counter. When teams attack us in an open game, Milan have to quality to beat anyone. This is when a balanced approach with ball winners in midfield and workhorse fullbacks becomes useful. When others drop off, using players such as Nocerino and Abate to attack is just plain stupid. This is when a Seedorf dependency becomes apparent. There is only one player behind the attackers (LCM) who is good on the ball. It's a bad approach. It's an approach that Napoli exposed. Their game plan was completely different from what we saw at the San Siro.

We are dependent on Seedorf. When he is tired, we will be reliant on Aquilani (nightmare situation) or Ibra (long ball tactics, hope for his wonder goal).

If we are not dependent on Seedorf at this point in time tell me, how often did you see him on the ball in the center of the pitch vs Napoli and Lazio? How often did another midfielder or a fullback play a through ball? Who else is holding up the ball or dribbling out of defense?

I must say that this is the most impressive piece I have read on goallegacy forums. You deserve a standing ovation for this I would like to buttress your points by adding a few.

It seems teams have studied our centered and widthless(improvising off course) tactical approach and they've devised a means of exploiting this weakness which is defending compactly and narrowly to contain our centered attacking approach , and
counter-attacking with pace and width so as to make us pay for our lack of width, and it seems to work quite fine as shown against lazio and most especially, napoli.

Allegri must improvise and come up with a more flexible tactical approach so as to nullify this resistance by such teams on our rigid 4-3-1-2 formation.

Galliani must act quick this january so as to get monty which would be available for less than 4mill cause of his situation at florence. What we really need is a 10 year younger version of seedorf though. 10 year younger version of seedorf though.

I put the Napoli game to some other, more obvious, factors:

1. Firstly, let's just remember that we had an exceptionally long injury list: Gattuso, Robinho, Ibra, Ambrosini, Boateng, Flamini, Inzaghi and Mexes.

2. Bonera. WTF is going on there?!! This guy should've been offloaded ages ago. He should never start, be subbed on or even sit on the bench, or be in the same city at the same time. Calamitous defending and a horrific decision by Allegri to play him.

3. Tactical variation. I agree in some respects with the arguments above about us doing the same thing all the time. Personally, I don't think we have the type of players who can successfully play a possession-based game. Even when we won the CL in '07, we mostly played on the counter. I think our team is perfectly set up to do that- we have great defenders, no wingers and fast and powerful strikers. It would take the emphasis off our lack of midfield quality atm.

4. Nevertheless, 'Seedorf-dependancy' is a term that doesn't agree with my point of view. We only use Seedorf so much because many of our other creative players are injured. Whether they are 'creative midfielders' through and through, as opposed to forwards, is quite irrelevant. How many creative mids do Napoli have? Bar Hamsik, who is virtually a second-striker anyway, they have none. Sure, it would be nice to have a Hamsik, Pastore, Ganso or Kaka, but how they would've helped in a game where we conceded 3 goals, I don't know.

5. Lastly, Napoli was in hot form and had virtually no injuries. They were at their best and we were far from it, in terms of both fitness and form. Just look at the impact that Lavezzi and Cavani had, for example. Does anyone think they would've done half as well without those two, let alone if they were missing another 3 first-team players? Surely not.

---
I think we are reading a little too much into this game and how it will impact the rest of the season.
Hopefully after our next game we can get some key players back and get onto winning consistently.
In short, I'm not ringing alarm bells just yet- like our cross-town rivals should be... Novara, lol.

Forza Rossoneri wrote:

4. Nevertheless, 'Seedorf-dependancy' is a term that doesn't agree with my point of view. We only use Seedorf so much because many of our other creative players are injured. Whether they are 'creative midfielders' through and through, as opposed to forwards, is quite irrelevant. How many creative mids do Napoli have? Bar Hamsik, who is virtually a second-striker anyway, they have none. Sure, it would be nice to have a Hamsik, Pastore, Ganso or Kaka, but how they would've helped in a game where we conceded 3 goals, I don't know.

1st goal - Bonera being Bonera and giving a foul outside the penalty box. Seedorf and Abiatti fall asleep on set piece.

2nd goal - the team throws numbers forward recklessly looking to go back on top. Abate and Nocerino stray far out of position and van Bommel makes an uncharacteristically lazy attempt at a tackle. Cavani scores by exploiting the space Abate left open (note how this open space was also a great concern vs Lazio). This was the most ill disciplined and complacent performance from Abate I have seen. Perhaps the midweek game took his mental and physical energy.

3rd goal - another Napoli counter... They got the ball in a good position with their attackers in space vs our defense, though this time the defenders were in their correct positions. Nesta's poor clearance fell to Cavani.



I think we can agree that Napoli's second goal was the most crucial of the match, as well as the most telling in a tactical sense. If Allegri were to have another creative midfielder available to him, he could choose a different approach to take on a counterattacking team.

Notice how poorly positioned Abate and Nocerino were when the ball was taken from Pato. Abate was steaming down the right flank once again. Nocerino was very close to the ball, not making any threats to the defense (not in space to receive a pass, make a run, take a defender out of position).

How many good crosses does Abate make per match? If he attempts five, I'd estimate that only one can be deemed a good ball. His steaming runs down the right flank have been a trademark of Allegri's Milan, though his attacks do not lead to much. He does one of two things: he makes a predictable move by taking a long dribble past his opponent, then, because of this predictability, he is unable to create much space and is forced to sprint as fast as possible to beat his marker and ends up striking the ball while horribly off balance. Otherwise, he will cut the ball back inside to the nearest midfield player.

Nocerino can be used as a box to box player, as he is fairly good on the ball, though I do not yet see a good amount of attacking intelligence from him. He is really more of a ball winner like Gattuso.

When playing a counter attacking side, they will look to exploit any space that is left open by attacking players. It does not make sense to throw two defensive players into attacking positions which can then be exploited when possession is lost.

How could a creative player have helped when we conceded three, you ask?

Say there was another Seedorf type player occupying RCM. There would be one more creator in the side, meaning that in order for Allegri to balance his squad, he would add a defender into the mix. He already has that defender available to him, and his name is Abate. Instead of using Abate as an attacking fullback, he could be used as a supporting fullback. His role would then exclude bursts forward into the final third. His new role would involve supporting attacks from the midfield by taking up a covering position in the middle third, able to help the side retain, recycle and win possession. He would achieve this by being in a position to receive an 'out ball' slightly behind the attack, by pressing opposition midfielders when appropriate, and by returning to his defensive position when appropriate. All this would also allow more freedom to the RCM. There would be significantly less space left to exploit down our right flank, and the games vs Lazio and Napoli could have ended differently.

I have already written some thoughts in the 'Allegri's tactics' thread. Allegri has his team balanced well when Milan face opposition willing to play an open game. Sometimes, his balance has been miscalculated (vs Napoli). It is in these sorts of situations, that one more passer should be introduced. Unfortunately, we do not have that passer yet. January always brings a new face to Milan. I hope we can add Montolivo or someone of similar talents to the squad.




thanks cripsy, I'm glad my posts are of interest

Kind of sad that we are relying so much on a player that is 35 years old. I think Aquilani can be a genius in there if we give him the chance. For me, he can be a Seedorf type player for us, his tactical brain is incredible, he just needs the consistency which is something that can be worked on in practice. There is no doubt to the talent he has though. (I hope) Once Montolivo comes we can have the natural heir to Pirlo on our squad as well. Nocerino (Gattuso), Aquilani (Seedorf), Montolivo (Pirlo) perfect in my opinion.

Milantildeath wrote:Kind of sad that we are relying so much on a player that is 35 years old. I think Aquilani can be a genius in there if we give him the chance. For me, he can be a Seedorf type player for us, his tactical brain is incredible, he just needs the consistency which is something that can be worked on in practice. There is no doubt to the talent he has though. (I hope) Once Montolivo comes we can have the natural heir to Pirlo on our squad as well. Nocerino (Gattuso), Aquilani (Seedorf), Montolivo (Pirlo) perfect in my opinion.

seriously MTD, stop hyping aquilani, he's not that good, deep down i think you know that but you just can't admit it. he's no pirlo replacement and he'll never be, he's a poor mans montolivo, he's not a champion and he's not a WC class player. he's a juve reject ffs and juve lots of crappy players in their sequad...

One good season at Roma and he's been shipped off to fail at top clubs ever since...

Aquilani has played well for us so far this season though. He hasn't been a star, but he hasn't been bad either- or at least as bad as some of you are suggesting he is.

I reckon even Bonera gets even less rubbished then Aqua. Give him a break guys!