Deulofeu could benefit greatly from Milan move / Image via express.co.uk
And his Italian move could have a symbiotic effect.
The Spanish winger Gerard Deulofeu is a player who had a lot of things go over his head in a short period of time.
Under all terms considered as more than a relatively young footballer of 22, Deulofeu is getting ready to put on a Milan shirt – his fifth different since the beginning of his career only six years ago. Having never quite lived up to the hype surrounding him, will the La Masia graduate finally get his big break in Milano?
Slow Start
Barcelona’s renowned football academy La Masia which over the years unearthed plenty of football gems and jewels truly was and still remains one of world’s best farming grounds. Unfortunately, not all of the players who go through its ranks can be given the ultimate opportunity to wear the coveted Barcelona shirt and get a chance to play alongside the legendary players such as Leo Messi or Andres Iniesta.
Bojan Krkic is the biggest example of how talents can fail to meet the expectations and pressure built up in the early stages of one’s career, but Gerard Deulofeu is not far from being fitted into the same category.
Deulofeu is the typical Barcelona player.
His technical trickery, the on-ball ability, vision and creativity – all make him a threat in front of goal. The industrious worker still failed to convince people in Barcelona of his world-class abilities as he had been sent out on loans to Sevilla and Everton, before ultimately being allowed to make his Premier League deal permanent.
English Failed Hope
Roberto Martinez, the former Everton boss, saw a great spark in a player who dazzled the Premier league world with his compelling displays at the U20 World Cup in Turkey.
It was the tournament showings and Deulofeu’s performances in a number of roles upfront – alongside Jese Rodriguez – that have convinced the Everton supporters that Deulofeu could be a real deal. A player to set them apart and push their play a notch forward.
The Spanish forward is an exciting player and the one who can get people biting their nails in anticipation. Unfortunately for the lad though, the anticipation quickly turned into disappointment for Everton fans, who witnessed their emotional investment tumble in the mixture of weak displays, inability to cope with the pressing aspect of the Premier League and incredible inconsistency.
Deulofeu finished the year of 2016 having completed full 90 minutes for Everton only twice.
Such was the fall from grace of the £4.2 million buy in 2015 and former La Masia’s most exciting products. From the coup of the century to the miss of the decade, Deulofeu completed his English journey with a bag of failed expectations.
Having lost confidence in his manager, team, teammates and himself, Deulofeu was in desperate need of a break this year. And he finally got it.
Rossoneri Rise?
Much to his own admission, Deulofeu is excited about the prospect to play alongside Suso and Bacca, two of Milan’s most prominent players.
Vinzenco Montella and Milan hierarchy should be complimented for their decision to pounce for the 22-year-olf who seems to fit the club’s new profile perfectly.
Former striker and now manager Montella is doing a remarkably good job with his young team which is led by the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Manuel Locatelli, who did not only breathe fresh air into Milan’s lungs but also gave great hope to the Italian football in general.
Deulofeu will most certainly be hoping Milan’s positive momentum will rub off on him.
The Spaniard needs a break, a quick change to his fortunes in order to finally grab his chance and prove that all of those early predictions were something we can go by at this point in time.
The New Beginning
Deulofeu is already in Italy and a deal with Milan is imminent.
The Rossoneri are pushing the deal through with great excitement and hype. They are hoping to have him all wrapped up and ready to be pushed in the fire this week already.
AC Milan are coming off from the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Napoli and are keen to bounce back with a bang and return to winning ways as soon as possible.
There will hardly be a better chance to do so than a derby against the reigning Italian champions Juventus in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.
Montella’s men have already stunned the champions once – In the Italian Super Cup clash – and are hoping to repeat the feat.
Milan are given huge 6/1 betting odds to win and both the club management and the fans across Italy are hoping that Deulofeu will be the spark to lift the team’s spirit and lead them towards what would be another great victory over the champions.
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