The Future of Brahim Diaz (Sequel)
If you have not read the previous article, please read that first.
1. Introduction
A new season has begun. The young Spanish dribbler will fight again on Milanese soil in the form of a two-year loan transfer. This deal seems to be very beneficial for the player himself. I think this applies to almost every player, not just him, but it is difficult to produce results in the first year of coming to a different league. This is even more true for young players. Dortmund's Haaland is an exception among exceptions. In other words, the first year is an adaptation period, and it is from the second year onwards that one can expect dramatic growth from a player. (Of course, there are exceptions.) Here, I would like to delve a little deeper into him based on the content of the previous article.
2. His previously pointed-out issues
The three issues I pointed out regarding him last December are as follows.
1. Lack of defensive intensity
2. A tendency to be too egoistic
3. Lack of precision in front of the goal
(Furthermore, the lack of physicality was often pointed out by Milanisti, but I will address this later.)
Are the three issues I pointed out last year still his problems? Even if I cannot say he has completely overcome them, haven't they improved to an acceptable level? Since I lack tactical knowledge, I will refrain from detailed comments, but it seems that at least the loss of possession due to ego has decreased significantly compared to before. Perhaps by playing in matches consistently, he has accumulated experience, and as a result, his judgment has been sharpened. I feel that his sharpened judgment has also begun to be demonstrated in his play in front of the goal. The fact that it is actually reflected in the numbers is the best proof.
3. Is his physicality really weak?
Milanisti and Madridistas pointed out his weaknesses as follows.
His biggest weakness is his lack of physicality.
It is true that because he has a small build, scenes where he is surrounded by larger opponents and loses the ball were seen often, not only at Milan but also at Madrid. Opinions that he is easily pushed off the ball because he lacks physicality will naturally arise. However, I have always thought that his physicality is not that weak, and in fact, it is strong. For reference, please take a look at the scene of Brahim's first goal at Madrid. (Sorry for the link)
vs Real Sociedad
As you can see, he dribbles with a low center of gravity that reminds one of Hazard during his Chelsea days, beats two defenders, performs his signature cut-back, and connects it to a goal. A common pattern for him losing the ball was simply charging into narrow spaces, getting surrounded, and being knocked down. In this past year, he has started to probe for open spaces efficiently while attacking, and I feel that he has become able to beat opponents with his dribbling while also reducing his losses. However, to point out a new issue, it seems he makes a bit too many unnecessary movements. The current situation is that this makes it difficult for him to play full matches. I will leave this part to Pioli and the player himself, but I sincerely wish for his success.
4. Conclusion
I cannot thank the club AC Milan enough for creating an environment where he can grow freely. I am very much looking forward to seeing how far this team, which fuses young players and veterans, can advance in the Champions League after such a long time. The Messi of Malaga, who has been entrusted with the role of the team's ace. What kind of play will he use to entertain us?
I just hope he avoids injuries. (Earnestly)
Hala Madrid Forza Milan