Why would it contradict it?

I said that I've seen him play enough times and imo he's not defensively better than Abate. Has Santon come up against the top class players of European football and shown his quality in these circumstances like Abate has? Is he one of the best LBs in the league like Abate is on the right? Is he selected for the NT?

I think all of these factors show how much you underrate him for some reason or another. I personally like Abate a lot for the type of player he is and for his work ethic and commitment to the team, so sue me for that. I was one who constantly called him a liabilty during his first season or two. But you cannot say that he hasn't improved in leaps and bounds. He's one of the best in the league in his position, cemented his spot in the NT and is now being sought after by teams who have unending funds at their disposal. These are facts, not me overrating him. So I don't feel my oppinion is skewed in the slightest.

Santon is a very solid FB. But once again, I wouldn't want him in expense of Abate. I would only love to have him if he's our LB solution for the long run

Mesbah.

No. Mesbah is a left midfielder converted in a LB.

Look at x-off's post above for the answer

What I mean here is that if we're going to spend money on a FB wouldn't you guys want someone who's a natural LB?

I would be ok with Santon if he came in for the LB position. I think having him and Abate/DS on the other side would be great, not to mention the future of the NT defence in those positions. But if the only option of having him is to give up Abate than my answer would be a no

Yes, I've seen it and it's wrong. Again - Mesbah is a midfielder. We have none would be the correct answer.

So all considered - I'd welcome Santon warmly, it would be a great signing, no matter if it is for the left or right flank.

What odd logic.

But yes, he's in the current Italian squad, Abate isn't. They've played the same amount of games, despite Santon being much younger.

still think Urby is the solution to the left-back problem

I think playing in a major tournament for your country is a very good indicator of your abilities.

I can't seem to remember which games Santon played... Was it as RB or LB?

I agree mishie. But some here seem to think that it's too "risky" Forget the fact that LB is his natural position and the one he used to play with Ajax or that we're currently using a central midfielder to fill that position simply because he's left footed and is a bit pacy

I think it's a ridiculous discussion. Both are good players. Both valuable, even if I do rate Santon above Abate.

Santon started with Inter as a LB. He plays the LB more often overall so I can safely say he's a good left defender.

As for Emanuleson...you're completely wrong. First of all - Emanuelson used to occupy the position of winger at Ajax, and not fullback. Secondly, when he was forced to play a LB he did badly and was moved back to the wings. So there goes your argument about him and his so-called natural position.

I think Constant is a decent enough LB, at least for the time being.

...said Emile Heskey.

Well that's your NT.

Playing FB for Italy is different. Even in this so called "dark age" for Italian football, there are still enough talented players that if you're not good enough then you're out. Balzaretti, Criscito, Maggio, Abate, Santon. Then you have other good FBs who play for the likes of Fiorentina, Lazio, etc who don't even get a look in unless there are major injury issues

@ Filippo, he played as a wingback, not as an out and out winger. I'd still say he's more naturally inclined to play the LB position than Constant.

Wingback isn't a fullback. I don't know who's more naturally inclined to what, I only know that Emanuelsons defending was bad for Dutch league standards which is a pretty good indicator.

Agreed, Urby is not a LB. We tried and he has been training to perfect that position, however on the field of play he has not proven himself capable of taking up that position.

-------------------

It has to be agreed that we have no clue as to what the management's options for the winter transfer window are and that the cards are kept close to the management's chest in that regard. We can assume, however, this or that ... But don't get carried away but the details as those have been taken due to factors we are unaware of.

That said, our window is shite to-date.

Yeah, agreed.

It looks like we have agreed with Empoli to buy half of Riccardo Saponara for €4 million.

Link

Hmh, that came out of nowhere.

Anyone seen him play?

Well you can count me out.

I think you can count everyone out, unless someone in here follows the Serie B.

They sold the other half to Parma.


Sky reports that Milan are ready to offer €8.5m for Astori. Cagliari's president, Cellino, wants at least €15m

Galliani: "A gift for the fans? No, there aren't any gifts for the Milan. The gift is the last 26 years of this Milan."

I can't believe he actually said that. What a tw@t.

Oh come on, get the guy already. I wanted Astori to pair Silva when the Brazilian was here. Now is not too late to rope him in, he will be a massive upgrade to the jokers we have prowling our defense.

I don't think Astori is any better than Bonera. Both are mediocre at best.

I know, but he's at least better than a someone certain by the name of Francesco Acerbi. If we can bring him in the range of 8m give or take, not a bad deal. For the best bang for buck, we should focus on young players at the cusp of breaking into (or have played a few matches) their respective National Teams. Rarely a bad bet.

Why not go for someone better than Astori?

I know, and that's why I said keep an eye on young players at the verge of breaking into their respective National Teams. That's where a frugal club like us can find the best value. As much as I love good defending, no one would be happier seeing someone better than Astori play for Milan. But the way things are, there is fat chance for that.

If were had to pay double figures for a defender, then why sell Silva at all. Ibra could have been offloaded to City. But it is plain evident, the management (particularly B&G) want to invest in youngsters and low cost players, plus an occasional wonder kid every now and then. It's hard to match other clubs for mainstream football stars these days.

When you plan long-term, you sacrifice the short-term. Looking too much into details with little knowledge behind the justification of those details and how the fit into the long-term vision and avenue that the club has taken a while back.

This management have chosen to dismantle the old guard along with its crowned jewels and start with a new backbone. Now, whether this action was correct or not is a factor of time. Obviously we were going to struggle with this, a blind man can see it. But again, lets not loose focus by looking at the details for which we all unanimously would conclude that the people running the club are high on crack. Let us look ahead, support our Milan and hope for a strong squad down the line.

Astori is just like Bonera, it's completely unnecessary to waist money on him.

I'd still take him over that idiot wearing Nesta's #13 that's for sure

I think we need to look for someone quality and possibly left-footed, so he can be paired with Mexes as our starting CB duo.

We're interested in signing Lodi for June.

Link

“I can’t believe it that I’m actually joining Milan. I had just finished training and then my teammates congratulated me,” Saponara told reporters.

“I read the news about Milan having signed me and I couldn’t believe it. I immediately started crying out of joy.

“Joining Milan is a great dream come true for me. It means that all the sacrifices have been worth it.

“I feel a great sense of responsibility after this transfer. Now I just want to finish the season with Empoli in the best way.”

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/01/ri...-join-ac-milan/

Boateng has received an offer from Galatasaray and is currently at via Turati discussing with Galliani, Braida and Allegri.

Link

Milan: 'Boateng and Abate stay'

I hope this is because they wanted too much money also, because for our side to not want to do this, well it only confirms their insanity.

Yes, I would do that trade in a heartbeat.

Hopefully.

Hopefully.

Galliani: "Nobody is coming if nobody is leaving. Balotelli? We have five strikers for 2-3 positions, we're good. We've decided to invest in emerging youngsters. We've explained it to the fans and I think they have understood it. It will take some time to reach the top, but I think we'll make it. In the last 12 games we've made an average of 2 points per game, and if it wasn't for the horrid start to the season, we'd be in the first three places now. But we've passed the initial shock and now we're confident we can make it".

Link

Chiriches? Strootman? Nainggolan? Balotelli? What were we thinking! Of course we're fine as we are.

Unacceptable.

They sell Pato off and no one comes in??

I can't see how Galliani says we won't sign anyone when we practically have no DM! Ambro is old and fragile, plus he's not good enough. Muntari is still an enigma, not to mention a horrible football player. Then you have Strasser who never plays. Seriously, De Jong's injury is gonna hunt us more than we expected if baldy doesn't sign a proper replacement before the window closes.

Muntari just isn't a DM anyway. I think Ambro is still servicable, but at this age he can't be playing 3 games a week.

I think he's prove you wrong. But apart from the bolded part, I agree. Problem is, we don't have the money to sign a good DM as it looks - so we can choose either to "stay as we are" or sing someone like Mesbah.

Plus you forgot Traore

Un-fucking-believable.

Sky says Robinho will return to Brazil and we will sign Balotelli.

Seriously, I don't know how they come up with stuff like this when the exact opposite is happening.

The opposite of what we are told usually takes place

G: "I'd rather cut my wrists than sell Kaka"
G: "$heva not for sale"
G "Zlatan? Impossible"
etc etc

http://www.football-italia.net/29496/emanu...not-happy-milan