AC Milan secured all three points in their game against Udinese last night, coming back from 2-1 behind thanks to Luka Jovic and Noah Okafor. As highlighted by a newspaper this morning, the Rossoneri are very pleased with the two signings.
Subs decisive for Milan
As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (see photo below), all that you need to turn around a game is a couple of good substitutions. This was proven by Jovic and Okafor, who scored in the 83rd and 93rd minute respectively for Milan.
Taking a look at the goalscorers table for Milan, Olivier Giroud is the king with 10 goals in the league, while Christian Pulisic is second with 6 goals. Jovic and Okafor may have played less than the others, but they are still third with 4 goals, one more than Rafael Leao.
The two have also shown great compatibility with their teammates, coming off the bench in different circumstances and also starting some games. Yesterday, for example, both Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao remained on the pitch after the subs, but it still worked brilliantly.
Olivier Giroud helped set up the second goal, i.e. Jovic’s header, and the Frenchman also assisted Okafor’s winner. In short, with the attackers on a united front and with great passion, everything is possible. Pioli took a chance, there is no doubt, but it paid off.
Latest on Jovic’s future
Milan signed Okafor for just €14m and for Jovic, there wasn’t even a transfer fee involved. Giorgio Furlani and Geoffrey Moncada are thus delighted with the outcome, hoping that the duo will continue to impress when given the chance by Pioli.
So, what about the future of Jovic? His contract will expire in the summer and Milan are more inclined to renew his deal now. With 6 goals in all competitions this season, scoring a goal every 114 minutes, the Serbian certainly deserves a more permanent contract.
Moncada spoke about the matter yesterday: “We’ll talk later, we want Luka who works well and who scores. Then we’ll talk calmly”. In short, Milan are impressed with what he has shown so far and the chances of a renewal are ever-increasing.
Same number of goals and more in a fraction of the time than strikers that people were calling for to be signed. Strikers like Arnautovic, Retegui, Beltran, Wahi, Belogun, Zapata, Colombo etc.
4 goals each in just over 400 minutes played in serie A.
Milan definitely needs to sign a striker this season. One of Sesko or Zirkzee would be perfect, but Jovic has to be kept.
Would love to keep Giroud, come of the bench and be a mentor, but I doubt he would wanna stay to be a backup when he is playing the way he is, 17 goal contributions in 17 serie A games. Also, from all reports he’d like to try MLS before he retires.
*sign a striker this summer, not this season.
Undoubtedly we have a great squad with depth when all are fit, but i feel we need 3 more starting 11 players, a striker (Sesko), Midfielder and a defender (Boungirno).
I would also replace Krunic and Pobega with Ricci and Smarmdvic.
Forza Milan & Forza MikeM
Okafor muss echt mehr spielen
I would love Giroud to stay ..let’s hope he does
Yes he is having a great season.
First of all you’re playing what ifs. We don’t know if those names can do better with us this season.
Secondly, Thanks for naming the ones that didn’t fire. I didn’t see Thuram on your list however and he was a concrete target unlike the others. how convenient
Pioli is doing everything to kill their form but they are stronger!
The depth is coming through. Last season No Leao goals, no party. Now we have contribution from the bench and a functional RT wing.
Makes sense that we are better off than same time last season.