Morata vs Belotti: Which Striker Is Right For Milan?

Morata or Belotti? Who’s better for Milan? Image: Milan Zone

Milan have gotten off to a flying start in the transfer market, making some notable purchases such as Kessie and Musacchio. Who will be the reinforcement in attack to replace the now-struggling Bacca? We examine the two prospects and decide which one is better for Milan.

Morata

Cost: ‎€60 million

Stats: Morata has logged an impressive 15 goals and 4 assists in just 12 starts this season for Real Madrid, and he’s proven that he is a talented striker, playing alongside Ronaldo, Bale, and Benzema.

Style: Morata prefers to dribble in the open space, and he has the pace and the ball control to pass defenders with ease. He can play well in both a one and two-striker formation, and he’s a clinical finisher when in the penalty area.

Summary: The Spaniard is the more probable target, and he’s also the most proven one. At 24 years of age, he has incredible potential, and while the price may be high, it’s what a good striker will cost you in today’s mercato. He may struggle more in Italy, where there’s less room to run compared to La Liga, but he wants to return to the Serie A, and as we saw with his stint at Juventus, he is capable of being an imposing force in the Italian league.

He is also cheaper than Belotti, and he could link up nicely with his Spanish partner, Suso, on the right flank. The forward hasn’t seen much playing time at Real Madrid, often sitting on the bench as a replacement for French striker, Karim Benzema, and Morata is quite attracted to the possibility of more starting time and a chance to prove himself for the national team here at Milan.

He seems to have agreed personal terms with the Rossoneri, so now all that’s left is dealing with Real Madrid. The fee seems to be in the realm of €60 million, and Fassone and Mirabelli will try their best to acquire a top-level attacker’s services for Montella’s team.

Il Gallo

Cost: €70-80 million + Player?

Stats: Belotti narrowly missed out on the top scorer spot with 26 goals this season and 7 assists, but the Italian forward has to be praised for an incredible season.

Style: Belotti has a more physical style, and he’s sort of Lapadula-esque in that he brings 100% energy and focus to all the matches he plays. He can hold up the ball well, and he’s a dominating aerial presence as well, scoring an impressive 10 goals with his head.

Summary: Il Gallo is a fan-favorite, and rightly so. He’s a die-hard Milan fan, and he’s stated that he would be more than happy to come to the Rossoneri. Of course, the deal seems a bit more complicated. Torino aren’t exactly happy to let him go after the stellar season he had this year, and the fee would probably be higher than that of Morata.

The Italian has proven himself in recent years, but we also have to take into account that Torino have not been the best team this season. Opposing teams are invited to attack, and in doing so, they open up gaps in their defense. This is not to detract from the Italian’s abilities, however. He is a phenomenal striker, and he has a great personality, one that would make him a great fit at his favorite club.

His physique and aerial ability also make him a double threat, and if Milan manage to acquire Conti, that duo could be deadly. Belotti is an amazing talent, and he’s only 23. If there’s anytime to get him, the time is now.

Verdict:

Montella joked to sponsors that if they gave him a bit more money, they wouldn’t have to decide between the two. Of course, that doesn’t seem to be the case. If I had to make a decision, I’d go with Morata. Belotti is simply too expensive, and there’s no evidence to suggest that he would be that much better than Morata, if at all.

The two forwards are both excellent players, and while Belotti may be the fan favorite, Morata has just as much potential for a lesser cost. Of course, if Donnarumma were to leave, who would be to say that we couldn’t get them both? That’s for a different day, though.