Luka Modrić has won the midfield battle against Ricci, securing a starting spot in AC Milan`s league opener against Cremonese. This debut will be especially poignant for him, as he has always been a Milan supporter and hasn`t experienced a “first match” with a new club since 2012.
Tomorrow evening, Luka Modrić will step onto the San Siro pitch, a place he has long dreamed of, surrounded by 70,000 passionate Milanisti. The anticipation suggests that Modrić, a Ballon d`Or winner, will start AC Milan`s inaugural league match, following a strong pre-season. Coach Allegri envisions him as the central playmaker, a role where his talents are best utilized. He will be flanked by Loftus-Cheek and Fofana, both of whom Allegri praised in his press conference, setting an ambitious target of 15 combined goals for the duo, with hopes for an early strike in the first game.
The primary selection dilemma for Allegri centered on the midfield, specifically between Modrić and Ricci for a starting berth. Modrić ultimately secured the spot, making this a significant occasion for him. He hasn`t experienced a “first” appearance at a new stadium since his Real Madrid debut in 2012, during the Spanish Super Cup second leg against Barcelona. That match saw Real Madrid, after losing the first leg, stage a comeback to win 2-1 and lift the trophy – a harbinger of Modrić`s illustrious, trophy-laden career with the Spanish giants. Ricci, along with Ardon Jashari, who also impressed in pre-season, is expected to feature later in the match.
Donning his number 14 jersey, Modrić is tasked by Allegri with orchestrating Milan`s play. Metaphorically described as having an “honorary degree in architecture,” he is expected to dictate the tempo, connect passes for his teammates, initiate vertical attacks for Gimenez, and link up closely with Fofana. Milan fans, who have long yearned for a skilled free-kick specialist, will undoubtedly give him a rapturous welcome as the lineups are announced. Their anticipation will peak whenever Milan earns a free-kick near the box. At 8:45 PM, Luka might feel a profound thrill, perhaps recalling his childhood dreams of playing for Milan in a club tracksuit. Once the whistle blows, however, it will be business as usual for the former Ballon d`Or winner, a familiar sight for San Siro: a world-class midfielder gracing its turf in the Rossoneri colours.
