Creating a combined XI from AC Milan’s 2010-11 and 2021-22 Scudetto winning sides

Now that the World Cup has started and is in full flow, the focus has certainly been shifted away from club football. However, we thought it would be a good time to have a look at and combine the last two AC Milan title winning teams in 2010-11 and 2021-22 and create a combined XI.

It is one that will frankly look incredible by the end given the amount of talent on display. For the avoidance of any early doubt, this team will take the shape of the 4-2-3-1 formation more synonymous with Stefano Pioli’s side over Max Allegri’s favoured 4-3-3.

Moreover, this has been picked with both the players’ form at the times of these seasons (and not just the overall ‘legacy’ of a player) and their contributions of both these particular title winning seasons…

Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan

Although Christian Abbiati was a fantastic keeper – one that offered consistency, professionalism and sturdiness – it cannot be understated the sheer quality and impact Magic Mike has had, especially considering the context of him being Donnarumma’s replacement.

It is worth talking about Abbiati’s contribution to Milan, and in particular the 2010-11 Scudetto triumph. The ex-Milan stopper was a stalwart and mainstay in the Rossoneri’s backline since his introduction in 1999.

He earned his starting spot until the enigmatic Dida – who was second choice at the time – burst onto the scene and Milan didn’t look back for many years due to the Brazilian’s immense qualities.

Abbiati continued to play for Milan, mainly as a back-up during this time and he was also loaned out many times to Juventus, Torino and Atletico Madrid. He deserves a mention mainly due to his love for Milan and that he was part of some of the best parts of Milan’s recent history. As mentioned before, he was never ground-breaking but a solid keeper that stayed the course with the Rossoneri through thick and thin.

For Maignan, however, superlatives are starting to grow thin to describe how incredible this keeper has been for Milan and the ‘void’ he filled. A supreme shot-stopper with amazing distribution, who has been nothing short of a revelation for Pioli’s Milan side.

The only thing that is left to be ironed out for Mike is his problems with injury – if he manages to sort these out then there’s no reason to say he couldn’t be spoken in the same breath as Dida.

Right-back: Ignazio Abate

This was a 50/50 between either Davide Calabria or Abate, however, the latter pips the current Milan captain. Calabria is of course a fantastic full-back who almost looks unrecognisable to the player struggling for form and even a starting spot a mere few seasons ago.

However, as good as Calabria has been and with the potential, he could still get a bit better, whereas the consistency and adaptability of Abate is hard to ignore. Ability-wise, there is not much to split these two players and, most would probably argue that Abate is slightly better, but not by much.

Abate, having spent almost his entire career at Milan minus a couple of loan spells and early career ventures, edges the likewise Milan ‘lifer’ and current captain. Abate’s adaptability is the main reason for his inclusion, although he never got close to the heady heights of a Cafu, he played in many different Milan sides, offering pace and sturdiness.

In 2010-11 in particular he played fantastically well and contributed in every phase of the game. A right-back that has had the backing of many different managers at both Milan and for the Italian national team, you can’t not be quality and have that much faith with many different gaffers.

Centre-back: Alessandro Nesta

Although Milan’s current centre-back paring of Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu are playing at the highest level and clearly have gears to go because of their potential, Milan’s defence was the definition of world class during the 2010-11 campaign. Therefore, both centre-back spots will be taken by the Milan central defenders of the Allegri team.

Starting with the Milan legend that is Alessandro Nesta – who at this point was at the ‘advanced’ age of 35 – represented of one of the last remnants from a Milan age to be remembered forever. There is not much to explain about why Nesta is in this team, as it is clearly evident the footballing IQ and the knack for timely interventions that he possessed.

Even though this was his penultimate season for the Rossoneri, he was still playing at the supremely world class level that he was known for.

Centre-back: Thiago Silva

Like above, this pick is fairly obvious. An utterly fantastic, talented defender, that even now we know is playing at a supremely high level still with Chelsea late into his 30s.

Again we could have put either Kalulu or Tomori in this backline and it would not have looked much weaker. However, even with as relatively young as Thiago Silva was back then (28) he hadn’t really hit his prime, but was still an absolutely incredible centre-back and truly got into the world class category with Milan.

One thing for sure is that although Kalulu and Tomori both have ceilings similar to that of Thiago Silva – especially in comparison to his Milan form – both players are a level or two below. For that reason, Thiago Silva has to take the spot alongside Nesta as the two players made a phenomenal partnership, especially in the 2010-11 campaign.

Left-Back – Theo Hernandez

A second pick for Pioli’s current squad. Theo fits into this squad with not just ease, but supreme confidence. Theo has been nothing short of a revelation since his joining and breakthrough, arguably he has been the best as well as star signing and success of the Maldini-led technical department.

Compared with his competition in this case Luca Antonini (although Zambrotta was deployed there at times, he was still very much past his prime) Theo is leaps and bounds ahead.

This was one of the easiest picks because Theo is by far the best attacking full-back in world football today and arguably the best left-back full stop right now. The idea of Theo bombing in the left, with Thiago Silva and Nesta covering, and the explosive pace of Abate on the right would be a frighteningly capable and dynamic backline.

Defensive midfielder: Gennaro Gattuso

This was tougher, mainly because Milan have what could be called a Gattuso ‘regen’ in Sandro Tonali currently at the club and playing a good level, and with arguably a higher ceiling, especially technically speaking.

However, it is hard to overlook Gattuso’s achievements, but also his immense contributions in the 2010-11 season specifically. This was a hard toss-up specifically with Tonali as the ex-Brescia man has himself stated, that Gattuso is his main inspiration and it is hard not to see the similarities in how Sandro plays.

However, back to Gennaro, he was key to Milan’s title in Allegri’s reign and his leadership, concentration and dark arts of tackling and ‘digging in’ would make this team so much stronger overall. Also, who can forget that winning goal at Juventus away?

Defensive midfielder: Ismael Bennacer

To some this might come as a surprise, as the options for midfield when comparing to the available players from 2010-11 are huge, including Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf (don’t get outraged just yet), Mark Van Bommel and the cult favourite Urby Emanuelson.

However, none compare to the importance of Bennacer to the Milan triumph of last season. Not only this, but he would provide a perfect balance to this team, progressing play, being on the front foot and allowing Gattuso to break up and chase down.

Yes Pirlo was a better player at his peak, and Seedorf could do a job in many different roles, but this is form specific to one season and if you take out Bennacer from the 2021-22 season Milan simply do not win the league.

It is worth noting the impact of the January signing Van Bommel made, as he was truly key in the 2010-11 Scudetto win, but the Algerian gets the nod.

Attacking midfielder: Clarence Seedorf

Granted, this pick might be unusual when thinking of position, but in order to fit the other attacking options in, Seedorf is being put behind the striker. The Dutchman did often play wide midfield (mainly on the left) but drifted and roamed in many games, so having him deployed in the trident is not too unusual.

With Pirlo unfortunately missing out when compared to the 2010-11 squad, Seedorf could not be left out having played 30 league games (among the top four in the squad in that season), so not including this world-class midfielder would be an oversight.

Seedorf would be able to slot-in and drift/roam to his heart’s content in this squad with his work rate and technical ability nearly unmatched in world football, at the time and in history. 

Left winger: Rafael Leão

Last season’s Serie A MVP easily slots into this team. Leão is arguably the best talent Milan have had in its ranks since a certain Brazilian maestro who will feature later.

There is not much that needs to be said that hasn’t already about the Portuguese starlet, with his dribbling and ability to attack the backline of any team simply devastating for the Diavolo last season and into the current one too.

Like with Bennacer, it is irrefutable that without Leão Milan simply would not have ended up lifting last year’s Scudetto. The comparison here would be between Robinho and Emanuelson, who mostly operated on either the left or right flank.

Although Robinho was supremely talented and scored 14 goals in the league that season, there is a cloud hanging over him for obvious reasons. As for Urby, there is no comparison.

Right winger: Alexandre Pato

As mentioned before, Pato is probably the player with the most natural ability Milan have had in recent history until Leão’s breakthrough.

In comparison to some of the other names that Milan had in their attack last season such as Alexis Saelemaekers, Junior Messias and Brahim Diaz, the Brazilian is leaps and bounds ahead. The then-prodigy scored a key 14 goals in the 2010-11 season in the league alone.

In fact, there are not really any choices from the current crop of players to rival Pato or any of the other selections, as the alternative to Pato that could be in the team would be the legendary Ronaldinho. However, the silky dribbler was coming to the end of his career and in comparison, to Pato’s contributions in the 2010-11 season, it is no contest.

Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimović

The man that needs no introduction could in fact feature as two different ‘versions’ of himself, given that he was a huge part of both title-winning sides.

it important to mention his return in 2019 because although the maverick Swede did provide goals – especially in his first season and a half after returning – it is the mental boost he provided and supreme presence and experience that really made his inclusion and worth felt.

He continued to be productive even in his advanced years and when he returned, but his unique ‘father-like’ contribution and psychological boost he gave Milan is really what has defined and is defining his last stint at Milan and likely his last in football altogether.

When looking at Zlatan’s Milan goal record, its very good, boasting (as of 2022) 92 goals in 158 matches. Below is a breakdown of his goal contributions solely in Serie A for Milan:

➤ 2010-11: 14 goals, 12 assists in 29 matches
➤ 2011-12: 28 goals, 8 assists in 32 matches
➤ 2019-20: 18 goals, 5 assists in 15 matches
➤ 2020-21: 15 goals, 2 assists in 19 matches
➤ 2021-22: 8 goals, 3 assists in 23 matches

When taking a look at his early years with the Rossoneri, you could strongly argue that Zlatan’s best season came when he joined Milan permanently in 2011-12 and he netted 28 times, but his 14 goals in the 2010-11 season were vital.

Moreover, his style of play, his supreme power, pace and dribbling was breath-taking. Often when looking back at when Zlatan and Milans love affair started, fans often find themselves daydreaming of what keeping a prime Ibrahimovic would have meant for Milan and the countless trophies he most likely would have won.

Unfortunately, for reasons we are very aware of and try to forget, Zlatan departed for PSG and had to wait until his twilight years to cement himself in the conversation and long list of legendary players to have spent long and successful spells at Milan.

Ibrahimović has not only proved himself to be a legend of the game in numerous ways; it is now clear he is well on his way to becoming a Milan legend if he isn’t widely regarded as one already.

How many titles and Champions Leagues would this team have won? And who would make your combined XI?

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