Who is Hachim Mastour and is he ready for first-team football?

Hachim Mastour Player Profile:
Date of Birth: June 15, 1998 (15 years old)
Place of Birth: Reggio Emilia, Italy
Nationality: Italy
Height: 175cm
Weight: 63kg
Position(s): FWD, CAM
Squad Number: 98

Hachim Mastour is an Italian-Moroccan player, who was called up to the first team May 13, 2014   but did not get into Milan's final match of the season v Sassuolo despite speculation that he would become the youngest player ever to play for Milan at age 15, surpassing the great Paolo Maldini who debuted at age 16.

Milan acquired Mastour back in the summer of 2012 at the age of 14 for €500,000. According to Goal.com, Inter, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester City were among the clubs Milan had to battle to obtain the wonder kid prodigy. Shockingly, Milan beat out many elite clubs to get Mastour in their system which is exciting for Milan fans everywhere.

Less than two years since arriving to Milan, Mastour was called up to the first team in a move that shocked everyone as he is still a very raw talent. His skill and ability is off the charts and his potential is sky high but is Hachim Mastour ready to play first tier, top flight football in Italy for Milan? Let's break it down.

Mastour, aged 15, can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger, two positions Milan have a handful of. Mastour would have to battle El Shaarawy, Kaka, Honda, Robinho, Saponara, Cristante and Taarabt, if he stays, in order to get minutes for Milan. Being as he is an extremely raw talent who hasn't played more than two matches with Inzaghi's Primavera side (U-20), its hard to imagine he would make an immediate impact for Milan regardless of who manages the club next season. Sure, we have all seen the Youtube clips of his brilliance with the ball at his feet, his pitch awareness to attack and juggling drills with Neymar. However, he is making a drastic leap from Allievi Nazionali (U-16) to top-flight European football and at a time where Milan is no longer the powerhouse side they once were.

The bottom line is that while Hachim Mastour has incredible ability, will sell tickets and can generate excitement for Milan fans, he should not be playing for the first team next season. Mastour needs at least one, maybe two full seasons with the Primavera before being called up. This is El Shaarawy, Cristante and Saponara's time. Mastour will get his chance with Milan sooner rather than later but let's not push this kid too soon. He is very important to the future of Milan and he shouldn't be rushed. Hachim Mastour, we are very excited to have you at Milan and we look forward to having you be a huge star for the Rossoneri for years to come. Forza Hachi!


References:
Goal.com

Io Sto Con Seedorf

"Io Sto Con Seedorf" has been the battle cry for many Milan fans across Twitter thanks in large part to AC Milan Club NY/NJ (@ACMilanNYC) , who have not been afraid to speak out about how Seedorf has been treated by Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani. Seedorf, a former Milan legend, replaced Massimiliano Allegri this past January as manager of Milan. Finally, the Milan fans were granted their wish. A new manager with a fresh start and mind. What we didn't wish for would come just a few months after he took over.

Clarence Seedorf's job is in question when, if you ask 99% of Milanisti,  it shouldn't be given the little time he has spent with the club. Clarence, once favorited by Silvio and company, has been betrayed by the club he has given so much to, particularly when he announced his retirement from his playing career to aid a Milan team in need. Seedorf has managed just over 20 matches in all competitions for Milan and out of those matches, he has a win percentage around .500. For a first time manager and one who hasn't even been a manager for 6 months, I'd say that's impressive. 10 wins, 2 draws, 6 losses in Serie A apparently isn't good enough for the first time manager of a club who has invested virtually no money into a renovation of the squad.

We all know and are aware of the treatment our beloved manager is receiving from management. Many of us have documented our support for Clarence as the right man moving forward but as loyal fans, we can only do so much. We will continue to protest against this harsh treatment and we will continue to rally around Seedorf because he deserves a fair chance to be a success with the team he loves deeply. This is a call to action. A call to all Milan fans and calcio supporters, who feel this lack of respect to a world class gentleman is wrong, to be heard. Our club can't and won't return to European elite status with a management who has no direction for the club. This isn't acceptable and you can count on us being heard.

     "IO STO CON SEEDORF"

A.C. Mi-loan: How Rami and Taarabt have impacted Milan

Loans, loans, loans. If Milan had a club dictionary, the word would be in bold. Galliani is known, as of late, for being a "picker." The players other clubs don't want or need become Galliani's treasure. A club not sitting on a pile of cash needs these moves to work simply because the big time talents demand money Milan simply don't have (or do they?)

Two players that have made the most of their loan moves to Milan are Adil Rami and Adel Taarabt. Both players have been practically full-time starters for Seedorf since their arrival this past winter. But why have they had success? Here's why.

Let's start with Adil Rami. The 28 year old French international arrived on loan from Valencia after having a fallout with the club. The center back has been a rock for Milan ever since he arrived, having been a dominant defender while scoring a few key goals as well. A posing presence and one who is good in the air on set-pieces,  Rami has easily been the best center back on the squad. Milan's defensive issues have been well documented for months but he has been a positive. Seedorf will continue to pencil in Rami as a starter for the remainder of the season.

As for Taarabt, where do I begin. Like many of the Milan supporters, I had my doubts about Taarabt's arrival, having heard many negative comments about his attitude, work ethic and ability to be a team player. However, he has silenced the critics by providing flare that has been lacking from Milan especially since El Shaarawy has been sidelined for months. Having played mostly as a left-midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the 24 year old Moroccan has shown skill, technique and drive. He has also scored 3 goals for Milan, which has been another positive. He will continue to get the nod from Seedorf as his confidence is high.

But of course, can Milan retain Rami, Taarabt or both permanently when their loan moves expire this June? Rami's buy-back option is €7mil but Milan want to secure his services for €4mil. Taarabt's agent, according to a Goal.com article , has stated that the player will most likely seal a permanent move to Milan for around €4mil. Barring any snags in the negotiations, expect Galliani to keep Taarabt here for the mentioned fee. As for Rami, its a bit more complicated. The player has stated his intent to stay at Milan but agreeing on a fee to keep him here could get tricky. His performance has many clubs watching, one reportedly being Manchester United, who will lose Vidic this summer to Inter.

Rami and Taarabt have expressed their desire to stay at Milan and the Rossoneri want them back. As we draw closer to the end of the season, we should learn more about each player's place at Milan.

Milan linked to Coentrão. Could De Sciglio be headed to Real Madrid?

Fábio Coentrão, the Portuguese international and current Real Madrid defender, has been linked to Milan for several months now. The 26 year-old doesn't appear to be unsettled with his current situation. However, in the modern era of football, players come and go for reasons sometimes undefined.

Coentrão is a player Milan could surely use as Abate appears to be headed to another club this summer with Lazio interested in the Italian international. Milan has very few options that can be deployed as a left or right-back. Coentrão provides pace, attacking ability on counters and a good amount of experience at one of the world's most successful clubs. A serviceable option for Seedorf to use in multiple formations, Coentrão is the type of player Milan needs going forward to reconstruct a back-line that, in the past, has been full of world-class players. Coentrão would likely have a price tag of around €15-20 million, which leads into the next part of this write-up: Mattia De Sciglio

21 year-old Milan RB/LB Mattia De Sciglio is one of, if not, the best young defender at his position

in Europe. His talent, ability and rise through the Milan youth academy have made him a fan-favorite and a player Milan fans would love to see retire at the club. De Sciglio is expected to be in Prandelli's starting Italian squad this summer for the World Cup and he has certainly earned the spot. However, his performance has caught the attention of Europe as Real Madrid are reportedly set to make a large offer for him this summer.

Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid are heavily interested in acquiring De Sciglio as they are reportedly ready to bid around €20mil for his services. Of course, Milan would love to keep De Sciglio as they see him as the starting LB/RB for years to come. However, money talks and if Galliani receives a lucrative offer for De Sciglio this summer, he could be departing.

Milan like Coentrão and Madrid like De Sciglio. Could a swap +cash deal be in the pipeline? Don't rule out anything. Milan typically don't sell a player that hasn't reached peak value or full potential. (Think El Shaarawy last summer). However, De Sciglio has performed like a veteran in his prime and his value may be at its highest level. In addition, Seedorf has started looking for talent he wants to bring in this summer and Davide Santon remains a potential target so perhaps management has already thought about this scenario?

Do I want Milan to sell De Sciglio? Of course not. Is it out of the question to say he could be sold this summer? No. Read with caution.....and a tissue.

Recap: Milan v Chievo

On Saturday, Milan defeated Chievo Verona 3-0 at the San Siro. It was a special day and not just for the result. Kaka played in his 300th career match for Milan, wearing the captain's armband in the process. Let's just say it was special day for a special Milan player.

Seedorf fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation that looked like this: Abbiati; Emanuelson, Zaccardo, Rami, Bonera; De Jong, Muntari; Taarabt, Kaka, Honda; Balotelli

The whistle blew and Milan came out of the gate playing an up-tempo style of calcio, bringing it to Chievo. It didn't take long for the Rossoneri to strike as Mario Balotelli scored a one-time goal in the 4th minute thanks to a beautiful ball played in by Rami. 13 goals in 23 games. Bad season? Hmmmm.  

Milan seemed to continue to push the intensity as they doubled their lead inside the 30th minute mark. Honda swung in a ball to Kaka in the box. The Brazilian settled it with his chest calmly and put it by Agazzi for the goal. A special moment for Kaka, who embraced the San Siro's appreciation. Milan were clicking on all cylinders. Abbiati and the defense weren't truly tested through 45 minutes as Milan went into the locker room with a nice 2-0 lead.

The second half began and Milan maintained control of the flow of the match. Chievo really didn't threaten aside from a few spurts of pressure. In the 54th minute, it was Kaka, who scored to earn himself the brace in front of the home crowd. It was one of those days for Kaka and Milan as they cruised to a 3-0 victory.

For Milan, Kaka stole the show, earning MOTM honors for his double. Balotelli also played a very good match, almost adding to his stat sheet with an assist but Honda spoiled a sitter in front of the net. Honda has received some criticism for his disappointing play on the right side but v Chievo, he didn't disappoint. The Japanese playmaker set up Kaka's first goal, was heavily involved in build-up plays, trekked back to defend and appeared to gain confidence as the match progressed.

Back-to-back clean sheet wins for Milan. Yes, you read that correctly. You didn't just see a wild Mesbah appear. A much needed 6 pts for Seedorf and Milan appear to be back on track. The next three opponents include Genoa, Catania and Livorno. I smell 9 pts. Forza Milan.

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!

Milan's Mock Summer Transfer Wish List

With the Serie A summer transfer window set to open for business this July, Milan should look (more like BETTER look) to add to the squad and at the same time, downsize from the current roster. Milan fans have been discussing possible summer moves prior to the hiring of new manager Clarence Seedorf and the talk continues as we approach the final months of what has been a miserable campaign for the Rossoneri.

At the moment, nobody truly knows what will happen to the club, both financially and management wise. There has been speculation these past few weeks about whether team owner Silvio Berlusconi will sell a stake of the club or perhaps the whole cake. Bloomberg Radio reported that Silvio intends to sell the club but his Milan-based company, Fininvest, has put those rumors to bed. Money is an issue for the club. Free transfers and low-cost value moves won't get this club back atop Europe. Whatever the case may be, Milan needs to find sufficient funds for Galliani and Seedorf to rebuild this once dominant side and the summer mercato is a great place to start.

Several names have been linked to Milan since January. However, many players have been funneled out through the rumor mill. Here is a list of possible Milan targets, some previously linked and others recommended from us:

Paris Saint-German center back, Alex, age 31
Botafogo center back Doria, age 19
Newcastle United full-back Davide Santon, age 23
Redbull Salzburg center back Martin Hinteregger, age 21
Everton (on loan from Barcelona) right-winger Gerard Deulofeu, age 20
Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin, age 21
Ajax attacking midfielder Siem de Jong, age 25
Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul, age 25
Torino FC right-winger Alessio Cerci, age 26
Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, age 27
Udinese goalkeeper Simone Scuffet, age 17
Paris Saint-Germain Ezequiel Lavezzi, age 28
Real Madrid full-back Fabio Coentrao, age 26

Again, this is a list of players rumored to have been linked to Milan as well as few players we feel should be looked at if certain players are sold, which is probably where Milan need to start. Hopefully, young talents including, but not limited to,  Stephan El Shaarawy, Mario Balotelli, Mattia De Sciglio and Bryan Cristante stay on board as they can be cornerstone players to build around for the present and future.