The Swiss received his first call up to the senior national team and in the event of Saelemaekers’ absence he could play against Fiorentina: it would be his debut as a starter for the Rossoneri. Allegri has already shown that he believes in him with Napoli
In Slovenia he didn’t even set foot on the pitch for a minute, but for Zachary Athekame it was still an evening to put in the memory book. Coach Yakin’s first call-up to the senior national team for Switzerland, having taken him out while he was in training camp with the U21s, also falls in the week in which the Rossoneri winger could make his debut with Milan from the first minute. In short, progress is being made and on the other hand 20 years (it will be 21 in December) is the right age to start accelerating.
intelligence
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When Yakin called him, he justified the choice as follows: “I have a defensive variant with Jacquez and an offensive one with Athekame. It will depend on how the match develops.” But the coach spoke very well of him already in the summer: “He’s a very interesting profile, I’ve followed him closely, he’s having positive growth. He has great energy and is tactically intelligent.” However, the indication is clear: Zachary is an offensive winger, very aggressive. An advantage in modern football and especially in that of Allegri. But when the experience is not immense, it can be a limitation. They are those players who need to be disciplined and educated in an Italian football they don’t know.
alter ego
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Now, Saelemaekers’ injury, which is a doubt for Sunday, opens up an opportunity for him to make his debut as a starter or play a large portion of the second half. Up to this point the Swiss international has put together 60 minutes spread over three matches, one in the Italian Cup (Lecce) and two in the championship (Udinese, Napoli). Allegri has not yet made the final decision in view of Fiorentina but up to now he has developed a machine where everything is working. The question that all fans are asking is: is the Swiss ready for an evening as a protagonist? Has he been weaned tactically enough by Max?
head held high
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In the coach’s eyes we imagine so, otherwise he wouldn’t have thrown him in against Napoli, meaning an entry at 2-1 for Milan, who were with one man less. Very real match, very complicated moment. Zachary wasn’t flawless, but in the end he managed to stay afloat and in any case Milan squeezed out three vital points from that match for the standings and for their self-esteem. So, whoever was on the pitch in that last half hour still came out with their heads held high. On the other hand, with a squad that the coach and management have set up deliberately short – there are only 19 outfield players -, the coach has quite limited options. And whoever is called into action, whether first class or reservist, must guarantee an adequate level of surrender. Athekame is inspired by Dani Alves and when asked about his first feelings after the Milan call he repeated several times that “You have to stay clear”. There is maturity.
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