AC Milan finds itself in an enviable position. The Rossoneri orchestra, once perhaps a tad out of tune, now plays a harmonious melody, with instruments well-accorded and a collective rhythm that promises great things. Yet, amidst this rising crescendo of team performance, one particular note consistently falters, standing out with an almost jarring clarity: the form of striker Santiago Gimenez.
The Udine Anomaly: A Striker`s Solitude
The recent match against Udinese offered a stark illustration of this conundrum. While Milan secured a commendable victory, Gimenez`s 62 minutes on the pitch painted a picture of isolation and ineffectiveness. A mere **15 touches** of the ball in over an hour of play for a primary striker is not just concerning; it`s practically a declaration of non-participation. Adding to the concern was yet another significant missed opportunity in front of goal, following similar misfires against Bologna. One might almost wonder if he was playing a different sport, or perhaps a highly specialized game of `avoid the ball`.
What makes this even more peculiar is that Milan, as a unit, is not struggling for offensive creativity. The team is developing a diverse and potent attacking phase, generating chances from multiple channels. Coach Allegri has a wealth of solutions at his disposal, and the scoreboard against both Bologna and Udinese could have easily been more emphatic. The team doesn`t desperately *need* Gimenez to be the sole savior; they need him to be a contributing member of a thriving collective.
Invisible in the Build-Up: A Tactical Mismatch?
A particularly troubling statistic from the Udine game underscores his detachment: Gimenez did not touch the ball even once in any of the actions that directly led to Milan`s three goals. Let`s dissect them:
- **Goal 1:** A long ball from Gabbia to Pulisic, a pass to Estupinan, a blocked cross rebounding to Pulisic, who scores. Gimenez, notably absent.
- **Goal 2:** Pulisic dispossesses Karlstrom, Fofana slots it home. Again, Gimenez plays no part.
- **Goal 3:** A beautifully constructed team move, a masterclass in breaking high pressure: Tomori to Modric, then Saelemaekers, back to Tomori, a vertical pass to Fofana, Saelemaekers to Rabiot, who then feeds Pulisic. Eight different players involved, orchestrating a fluid attacking sequence. Gimenez? He was reportedly *moving out of the way* to facilitate Fofana`s shot and Rabiot`s run, almost to the point of being an obstruction rather than an asset. One might say he contributed by *not* contributing, which, while technically helpful, isn`t exactly a ringing endorsement for a center-forward.
This isn`t just about missed chances; it`s about a fundamental lack of involvement in the team`s offensive rhythm. His struggles with ball protection and first touch are evident, forcing Milan`s intricate play to flow around him, effectively making him an island in a sea of red and black movement.
The Looming Question: What Next for the Mexican Striker?
The situation presents a stark contrast to expectations. The current photographic evidence, particularly when viewed against the potential acquisition of a player like Vlahovic (as speculated in the original article`s context), is rather unforgiving. Gimenez desperately needs to break his scoring drought, not just for the team, but for his own sense of belonging and confidence within a squad where everyone else seems to be improving dramatically.
With Rafael Leao`s imminent return and Nkunku gradually increasing his minutes, the question hanging over Santiago Gimenez becomes increasingly poignant: what will be the fate of the Mexican striker? In a team that is finding its stride and scoring goals from various avenues, the player who consistently “falters” becomes less of an enigma and more of a tactical liability. Whether he can recalibrate his game to align with Milan`s burgeoning success, or if this marks the beginning of a difficult chapter, remains to be seen. Football, after all, is a meritocracy, and even in the most harmonious of orchestras, a discordant note cannot be ignored indefinitely.