AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli chose to name a young starting line-up for last night’s Coppa Italia win over Cagliari, and summer arrival Alex Jimenez was among the most impressive players.
In the 50th minute the score became 3-0 through Chaka Traore’s goal, but Jimenez had a hand. He pulled a ball back from the by-line which Chukwueze whiffed at before Traore took possession, stayed on his feet despite and fired under Radunovic. He won’t get an assist, but his contribution was noted.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (as seen below) writes this morning that Jimenez divides his time between Primavera and the first team. He arrived as a natural right-back, but Ignazio Abate successfully diverted him to the opposite flank.
Pioli brought him to the bench six times before he made his first start yesterday. The opportunity presented itself and his parents Roberto and Leticia were in the stands, in addition to his brother Roberto Jr. and Samuel, an agent and friend who works for Eugenio Botas, Jimenez’s representative.
His brother is always with him in Busto Arsizio, where Alex lives, and his parents come often. Milan signed him on loan from Real Madrid, who can sell him to the Rossoneri for €5m, guaranteeing a resale percentage but also a buy-back clause in their favour.
