Preseason friendlies, often dismissed as mere fitness drills or marketing spectacles, occasionally offer intriguing glimpses into the tactical minds of football`s orchestrators. Such was the case when AC Milan faced Arsenal in Singapore, a match that, despite its exhibition status, unveiled a surprising strategic maneuver: Christian Pulisic, the American star, stepping into an unexpected role at the forefront of the attack.
A Tactical Chessboard: Pulisic as a Forward?
The Rossoneri`s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, secured by Bukayo Saka`s goal, largely faded into the backdrop compared to the curious spectacle of Massimiliano Allegri`s tactical adjustments. Allegri, making his celebrated comeback to the Italian club, deployed a 3-5-2 formation, with Pulisic positioned alongside Rafael Leao in a dual-striker setup during the first half. This wasn`t merely a fleeting experiment; it was a deliberate deployment that prompted immediate speculation.
Key Takeaway: Christian Pulisic, typically a winger, was fielded as a striker in AC Milan`s preseason match against Arsenal, signaling a potential shift in his role under returning coach Massimiliano Allegri.
The Vacant “Number Nine” and Allegri`s Pragmatism
The reasoning behind Pulisic`s advanced placement is rooted in AC Milan`s current squad dynamics. With Luka Jovic and Tammy Abraham`s contracts expiring, the club found itself bereft of a recognized “number nine”—a traditional central striker. Young Lorenzo Colombo is slated for a loan spell, and Mexican international Santiago Gimenez`s return is still weeks away. Faced with this temporary void, Allegri, a coach renowned for his tactical adaptability and pragmatic solutions, opted for an unconventional approach.
This situation highlights a recurring theme in modern football: the fluid evolution of player roles. When a specific archetype is unavailable, ingenuity takes precedence. Allegri`s decision to utilize two natural wingers in attack, with Pulisic on the left side, was a calculated risk aimed at maintaining offensive fluidity while addressing a structural deficit.
Pulisic`s Adaptation: Versatility Under Scrutiny
Despite not registering a single shot on goal in his 45 minutes as a makeshift striker – a striker, conspicuously, without a single shot on goal, a subtle irony in a position defined by finding the net – Pulisic`s performance offered intriguing insights. His 34 touches in the first half largely occurred on the left flank, his more natural habitat. This suggests that while nominally a striker, his role allowed for significant lateral movement, blurring the lines between a traditional center-forward and a deeper-lying attacker. It was a hybrid, part number ten, part wide forward, demanding both creative input and positional discipline.
For Rafael Leao, Pulisic`s presence seemingly offered increased freedom. Leao, often burdened with defensive responsibilities in other formations, appeared unencumbered, allowing his raw attacking talent to flourish. This synergy hints at a potential pathway for Milan`s attack, even if a dedicated striker eventually joins the ranks.
Allegri`s Verdict and Milan`s Aspirations
Post-match, Allegri, ever the realist, acknowledged the value of the experiment. He praised Leao`s performance but, with his characteristic pragmatic frown, admitted dissatisfaction with any loss, even a friendly. “When we lose, even in a friendly, I`m never completely happy,” he stated, a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates his competitive drive. He also rightly pointed out the caliber of the opposition: “we were facing one of the strongest teams in Europe.”
For AC Milan, the upcoming season presents a singular focus: Champions League qualification. Having missed out on European competition this year, their domestic league and Coppa Italia campaigns are paramount. Every tactical permutation, every player adjustment, will be viewed through the lens of achieving this primary objective.
Beyond Preseason: What Does This Mean?
While preseason friendlies are inherently non-definitive, Pulisic`s temporary assignment as a striker provides valuable data. It showcases his tactical flexibility and willingness to adapt for the team`s needs, qualities highly valued by top-tier coaches. This versatility could prove crucial not only for AC Milan`s immediate needs but also for his national team, the USMNT, where similar tactical puzzles often arise.
Whether this tactical test will be replicated as a permanent solution remains to be seen. The return of Santiago Gimenez or the acquisition of a new striker could revert Pulisic to his more familiar wide roles. However, the seed of possibility has been sown. Pulisic has demonstrated that he can, when necessary, step into the void at the sharp end of the pitch, offering a dynamic and unconventional option for Allegri`s tactical arsenal.
As AC Milan prepares for their next friendly against Liverpool, all eyes will be on the tactical blackboard. The Pulisic striker experiment, though brief, has ignited conversations and underscored the fluidity of modern football roles, proving that sometimes, the most insightful revelations emerge from the least expected places.
