AC Milan: Brazilian Core Holds Key to Success

After a somber start to the season, AC Milan has resurfaced as genuine title contenders.

Il Diavolo are coming off a run of four consecutive victories and are currently four points off the pace. A big factor behind the success can be tracked down to the club’s Brazilian core, consisting of Alexandre Pato, Ronaldinho, and Thiago Silva, who have all played an integral part in the Milan outfit’s current position.

With 10 minutes remaining of AC Milan’s Sunday afternoon encounter with Atalanta, Alexandre Pato was running towards goal when he suddenly pulled up clutching the back of his right thigh. A collective intake of breath could almost be heard throughout the San Siro as the Brazilian hitman fell to the ground and was stretchered off the field.

The post-match interviews indicated the Brazilian’s importance to the team and many of the pundits around Europe believe the young hitman to be of critical importance if the Rossoneri are to realize their Scudetto and Champions League aspirations this season.

Despite his young age, Pato has never failed to live up to the expectations and responsibilities put on his shoulders. With his lightning speed, unique technical skills, great finishing, and outstanding reading of the game, the forward has managed to score 14 goals in 25 appearances.

Fellow countryman Ronaldinho is another player who has been one of the protagonists in the Milan side this season. After having been considered to be past his prime for some time, the Brazilian with the dazzling smile is once again delivering dazzling performances on the pitch.

The dribbles, slalom runs, overhead-kicks, sublime passes, and dummies are all back on display. The Brazilian has dominated as well as showcased important leadership qualities as he’s once again establishing himself as one of the best footballers in the world.

On top of that, Dinho has produced a whopping 16 goals and scored 12 in 30 appearances in all competition this season—making the Brazilian the most effective player in Serie A, followed by AS Roma’s talismanic captain, Francesco Totti.

The third and final component of Milan’s Brazilian core consists of Thiago Silva. The centre back has struck up one of Serie A’s most impressive partnerships with Alessandro Nesta. The former Fluminense defender possesses both speed and technique—allowing him to take part in the offense while also tending to his defensive duties.

Despite a handful of mistakes, the Milan stopper is calm and collected at the back and along with Nesta provides the kind of security to their goalkeeper few defenders in the Peninsula can match.

The Rossoneri can’t afford to make any more mistakes as their only hope to make up for lost ground is to capitalize should the reigning champions, Inter Milan, slip up along the way.

Apart from that, the Milan outfit needs to overturn the score in their return fixture with Manchester United at the Old Trafford if they are to stay in contention for European glory this season.

The club has some incredibly tough tasks at hand in the upcoming weeks. In order to have a decent shot at collecting any titles, Leonardo will pray that his Brazilian core will stay as injury free as possible as his side enters the most important stage of the season.