Stephan El Shaarawy: What His Return Means To Milan

Where art thou "Il Faraone?" The 21 year old Italian forward has been sidelined for pretty much the entire season with multiple injuries. El Shaarawy has appeared in only 7 total matches in all competitions for Milan this year after a very good campaign last year, carrying the club the first half of the season before his performance took a hit. After netting 19 goals in all competitions last season, El Shaarawy has scored just one goal this season, which came against PSV back in late August. Injuries have plagued him this season but his return to the club has already begun as he has started training. Seedorf should have him deployed into the squad by mid April, but how will he be used? What can he provide? Let's take a look at how he fits into the current squad.

Allegri, and now Seedorf, have used the 4-2-3-1 formation this season as oppose to the traditional 4-3-3 and 4-3-1-2 formations of past Milan sides. El Shaarawy is typically used as a left winger in a more attack-based formation in the 4-3-3 but in a 4-2-3-1, he is an attacking midfielder on the left side. He loves to cross inside onto his strong foot and test the keeper. An exceptional dribbler with good pace down the left flank to trek back defensively as well. This is where he is at his best.

Stephan El Shaarawy is expected to be back mid-April when Milan take on Catania April 13th or Torino on the 19th. I expect Seedorf to play him as a LAM or a LW depending on how they line up. How many minutes he gets is a question mark. Taarabt, Kaka and Honda have been the three attacking midfielders behind Balotelli or Pazzini as of late. Fitness has been an issue. With El Shaarawy returning, Seedorf should look to give Kaka a breather as a CAM and shift Honda to the position as suggested by many. Stephan's return provides depth and versatility for the attacking midfield rotation. The issue could be finding minutes for Saponara and Cristante however.

Here are just a few of the possible attacking midfield formations that could be used:

El Shaarawy- Kaka- Honda
El Shaarawy- Honda- Taarabt
El Shaarawy-Kaka- Poli
El Shaarawy- Honda- Poli

Sure, his return gives Milan another attacking threat who can put the ball in the net. However, it also gives Seedorf more depth because it allows players to shift to the bench and come on late in matches to provide a fresh spark.

From an attacking standpoint, El Shaarawy will be a vital component. His knack for scoring is desperately needed, especially for a side who has created many scoring chances but lacked the clinical finishing technique needed to win matches against Juventus and Atletico Madrid in the first leg. El Shaarawy's return to the side will be a breath of fresh air for Milan fans everywhere as he is not only a young star, but also a fan favorite and one who has expressed his love and devotion to the Rossoneri when he publicly stated his desire to stay at the club long-term. We can't wait to have you back Stephan!