Massimo Ambrosini believes that Ruben Loftus-Cheek ‘can do everything’ but will need time to acclimatise to Serie A, while he also gave his thoughts on the rumours of a formation change.
Loftus-Cheek arrived from Chelsea earlier in the month on a four-year deal and he joins a midfield department in need of rebuild after the sale of Sandro Tonali, who went to Newcastle United for a club-record fee.
During his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Milan star Ambrosini spoke about the signing of the Englishman and what he can bring for Pioli.
“He has a significant physicality and can do everything: mezzala, midfielder in the 4-2-3-1, attacking midfielder… Historically, the English players need time to settle in. They will soon have to acquire the tactical skills that Pioli requires,” he said.
One of the hypotheses that has been put forward in the media recently is the possibility of changing from the 4-2-3-1 system that Pioli has bedded in over the past few seasons in favour of a three-man midfield.
“I have the impression that this year Pioli will try to exploit the three-man midfield much more. He did it last season too, but in the running, with the team on the move. Now it will be different,” Ambrosini added.
“The new profiles go in this direction: Pioli works on dynamic, vertical football with midfielders capable of covering more meters on the pitch. Then it will be up to Leao to make the difference: he must demonstrate that he deserves the star position that Milan has granted him.”
“Historically, the English players need time to settle in. They will soon have to acquire the tactical skills that Pioli requires” lol I literally wrote this in another article. I don’t think it’s as easy as slotting in to this system as ppl make it out. If u change too much you can disrupt alot. Serie A is still a highly tactical league
But our recent english signing was tomori who came in the middle of the season and slotted in well immediately??? There is no formula to predict whats gonna happen the next season