Calcio Debate: Borriello To Milan - Masterstroke Or Mistake?
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Calcio Debate: Borriello To Milan - Masterstroke Or Mistake?
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This has been the case for the few and not the many, but Milan has lost millions in these fruitless acquisitions. The new season brings new players and new expectations linked to the impact these players will have for their clubs.
Milan have not been quiet in the transfer market during the summer, making waves and if reports are to be trusted, contacting various clubs with offers for their players. The attack has been of major concern and offers have been made for Ronaldinho, Adebayor, Drogba and Eto’o.
As far as attacking players go, the Rossoneri have added the name of Marco Borriello to their roster for the season ahead. A striker with a real sense for goal and a strong physique, Borriello scored 19 goals for Genoa in Serie A last season to finish third in the goal scoring charts behind the Juventus pair of Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet. Nineteen goals is a very impressive return for any centre forward, and so on 29 May Milan paid around 10 million euros plus Davide Di Gennaro to secure the other half of Borriello’s contract. This means that Milan value him at over 20 million euros. No pressure Marco!
Borriello grew up in the Milan youth ranks before graduating to the first team, but after making his Serie A debut in the 2002/2003 season he received very little playing time and ended up going to a host of smaller clubs on loan. It was at Genoa last season that the Neapolitan striker began to shine, single-handedly lifting the minnows of Italian football and surprising opponents along the way to a respectable 10th place finish in Serie A. His 19 goals made Milan stand up and take notice, and finally he is back at the place where he started, ready to show what he is made of.
Looking at his attributes Marco Borriello seems to be a complete striker. Physically strong, fast and good in the air, this player is a threat with both feet and has the ability to create for others as well. Borriello holds up the ball well and is a menace for defenders with his imposing size causing problems in the penalty area. Another useful facet of his game is his ability to take penalty kicks, as he showed last season with five strikes from the spot.
In terms of experience Borriello comes up a bit short, but considering his age this is no mystery and big game experience is attainable as he has time on his side. The 26-year-old is still relatively young, but is by no means a spring chicken. Borriello should theoretically be entering the prime of his football career over the next few years, adding to his responsibility to impact on this Milan team. Borriello was called up for his Italy debut at the beginning of this year, playing the final 20 minutes of the Azzurri’s friendly win against Portugal. He has since come on as a substitute in two other games, but played no part at Euro 2008 despite being in the squad.
All transfer activity at Milan seems to run closely through Carlo Ancelotti, who would have okayed the Borriello deal, but it remains another point of debate as to how much playing time the striker will get. In the past few seasons at Milan he played a handful of games, all under the current coach. If Ancelotti is willing to play him more often and rely on him as the major striker, Borriello could repay the faith Milan are showing in him. This scenario could be hindered by the possible transfer to Milan of a star centre forward, so often reported in the media. No matter how many strikers Milan begin the season with, Borriello’s performances will depend on his confidence and the confidence shown in him by the club.
What is your opinion on this striker? Is he a superstar ready to shine, or a small club player who will struggle at a big club like Milan? Are Milan foolish to believe in the player, or visionary in attaining him at the right time? Lets hear what your views are.
Peter Pedroncelli
