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| Tuesday 6 May, 2008 |
| Blog: Gallic Gladiator |
| Mathieu Flamini will be wearing a Milan jersey next term and Richard Godden thinks it could be the signing of the summer |
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The 2007-08 season has proved to be a coming of age campaign for Mathieu Flamini. The Arsenal ace - who will arrive at Milan in the summer on a Bosman free transfer - has been one of the top defensive midfielders in Europe over the past nine months, bringing plenty of pace and energy to a role which generally requires only power and patience. At just 24-years-old, he undoubtedly has his best years ahead of him.
So it is safe to say that the Rossoneri have pulled off one of the transfer coups of the summer before the current season is even complete. Although it's a tad harsh on Massimo Ambrosini, a midfield trio of Flamini, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo is as good as any in Serie A. With the hustle and bustle of the former duo allowing Milan's quarter-back to conduct the play from deep, it looks as though Carlo Ancelotti has found the perfect formula.
However, it does raise a question which I have been scratching my head over for quite some time - why was Emerson signed last summer? The Brazilian has made just six Serie A starts this season and made about as much impact as Ibrahim Ba has on his return to San Siro. And with Flamini, Clarence Seedorf, Cristian Brocchi and Yoann Gourcuff all ahead of the ex-Juventus and Roma man in the pecking order, does he have a future at the club? If you ask me, he shouldn't even have a past or present at Milan.
Another point worth making, particularly at a club which places such a firm emphasis on loyalty, is that Flamini has played for two teams in his career and on both occasions he has left on bad terms. While at Marseille, shortly after he had just played in the 2004 UEFA Cup Final, the French international decided to head for Highbury. L'OM did not receive a penny from the Gunners as Flamini had yet to agree a long-term professional deal - a scenario which seems to have blighted Italian clubs of late. Then Marseille boss Jose Anigo said at the time: “This is a beautiful treason. He used me.”
Arsene Wenger has yet to say anything to that degree, but you can bet your bottom dollar that he is not happy to lose a player he put plenty of faith in this season. By selling Lassana Diarra - his main rival for a midfield spot - he was effectively telling Flamini that he was part of the Gunners' spine, an integral part of the team. That has been thrown back in the tactician's face, although those saying it's all down to money don't know the whole truth. Flamini's father is from Rome and the midfielder recently spoke of how proud he was to be an Italian. So if Raymond Domenech gives him a summer call-up then there could be an intriguing conflict of interests at Euro 2008…
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How could you say Flamini is a replacement for Ambro? He has been one of the most consistent, if not the most consistent players in Serie A over the past two seasons. He has brought much needed height and power in the middle of system, and his urgency has been refreshing when players like gattuso have become a liability with numerous yellow cards and bookings. I would love to see Ambro, Pirlo, Clarence, Mathieu and Kaka in our midfield. Gattuso has been a great servant but flamini is a brilliant replacement. Ambro is a better ball player than both Flamini and Gattuso. Having both Gattuso and Flamini in the team will put more pressure on Pirlo to deliver. Amrosini is the captain, and represents Milan. He has been a loyal servant, and we have put our full faith in him despite his injuries. Now the patience has been rewarded. Ambro's time isn't up just yet.
Rosario
How can you even suggest that Flamini could take the place of Ambrosini? Ambrosini not only brings a certain physical presence, he brings leadership; he is, deservedly, the captain of Milan. In addition, let’s not forget that he is gifted with the ball at his feet and has scored some critical goals for Milan this season. After following Milan all season, he is the only player that has consistently performed ALL season. What other Rossoneri player can boast that this season? He has been nothing short of a blessing this season and you are suggesting replacing him? Your logic does not make sense.
Jonathan
I'm sorry Rosario, but Ambrosini is not a ball player he is clumsy and has two left feet. He has somehow managed along with Kaladze to slip in the back door to become a regular due to Milan’s fear of spending and the regular injury list. He does give power and arial ability but along with (i hate to admit this) Gattuso, as soon as they eventually control the ball and pass it badly, the rhythm and flow is gone and the opposition has regrouped. As much as i love Rino, Flamini is younger, faster and much better on the ball and will be a great acquisition. This will please Berlusconi as he will now give us the spin that Ronaldinho is no longer needed because of it. I cant wait to see Flamini in the team part of a new side, with no passengers, a decent keeper and several defenders.
Gary Parker |
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