AC Milan has had a lukewarm Serie A campaign this season and with two games left to play, the Rossoneri are still not assured of a third place finish. However, there are a few players who caught my attention and others that simply failed to live up to my expectations.
I’ll start with the performers. Number 1 on my list is the ever-smiling Brazilian forward Ronaldinho. This being his second season with Milan, Ronaldinho has greatly improved his game to silence critics that thought his career had ended the minute he walked out of the Nou Camp gates.
Scoring 10 goals and having 14 assists to his name, Dinho dazzled the crowd with fancy dribbling, pinpoint passes and witty runs that reminded many of his artistic play while with Catalan giants Barcelona. Although not the same player, Ronaldinho has showed that he can still change the face of any game single handedly.
Number 2 on my list is Alexander Pato. Pato together with Ronaldinho and Borriello formed an amazing three pronged attack that was at some point the envy of other Serie A clubs. Scoring 12 times in 21 appearances for the Diavolo, Pato is one of the club’s future stars. Pato has however been plagued by injuries that have seen him have an on and off campaign this season.
Number 3 on my list is Rookie coach Leonardo. Wait a minute Leonardo isn’t a player. Yes i know that however, he is responsible for Ronaldinho’s rediscovered form and the club’s 3rd place standing in the league. All Dinho needed was a coach who believed in him and Leonardo is that coach. Its only a shame he won’t be with the club next season.
Now to the under performers. Number 1 on my list is none other than Andrea Pirlo. The Italy international has failed to impress me this season and with no goals to his name in the league so far, Pirlo is definitely having his worst campaign. Scoring a wonderful goal against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu during the Champions League group stages fixtures, Pirlo has failed to better that performance ever since.
Number 2 has to be Filipo Inzaghi, Super Pipo as he is fondly referred to has only managed 4 starts in 23 appearances for the Rossoneri this season. The 36 year old who was a regular starter up until the 2008/09 season, has not scored since he bagged a brace against Marseille in Milan’s 2-1 win back in September of last year. Tied with Raul Gonzales on 68 goals as Europe’s most prolific scorer, Pipo will have to rediscover the form that made him every defenders nightmare.
Finally, 3rd place goes to Clarence Seedorf. The Dutchman is only 34 years old but he seems to have been around forever. I have no doubt his abilities however, i think its time for him to do the honourable thing make way for the younger generations. That said, at least he has 5 goals and 3 assists to his name.
So in my view, i give this award to Ronaldinho.
Photo credit: from MichaelJClark