AC Milan signed US international central defender Oguchi Onyewu yesterday. This was in response to fans protesting that AC Milan are not using the money they got from selling Kaka to Real Madrid. These fans want a big name purchased. While "Gooch" is not a big purchase, this will help them get back to the contenders they once were.
Italy has a group of teams called the "Big Four". These are the four clubs that have the best chances of winning the Serie A title every season. AC Milan is considered one of those clubs. The other three are Inter Milan, AS Roma, and Juventus. In the 08/09 season, AC Milan's record against the other members of the Big Four was 1 win, 3 losses, and 2 draws while scoring 9 goals and conceding 12 (1 shut out). That is 5 points out of a possible 18.
The Big Four have some big strikers, as well. Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic is 6 ft. 3. as well as Juventus' Vicenzo Iaquinta. AS Roma's Mirko Vucinic and Juventus' Amauri stand at 6 ft. 1.
Looking at AC Milan's centerbacks, Nesta and Kaladze stand at 6 ft. 1 and Bonera stands at 6 even. Two of the Big Four strikers are taller than Milan's core of centerbacks. Gooch stands at 6 ft. 4. Taller than everyone. There is no doubt in my mind that he will show up and be obviously stronger than any other defender on the Milan roster. This is what Milan needs to deal with the likes of Iaquinta and Ibrahimovic.
Speaking of Milan's defenders, Gooch is a true centerback who has had very little injury problems. Nesta is unfortunately constantly injured. Kaladze was a left back who was moved to center back due to injuries. Plus he is coming off a season that was ravaged with injuries, playing in only 15 games. Bonera, a converted right back, plays in the center of defense to much criticism. He was not injured last season, but he only started 20 games last season. I think the Milan staff want a tall, strong true centerback so they will not be forced to convert any more outside backs, like Bonera.
With the retirement of Milan's legendary defender Paolo Maldini and defensive injuries, there will be competition for places along the backline. I believe and hope that Onyewu can earn and keep his starting spot. This would be an unbelievably huge lift for the US national team next summer if he constantly played for one of the world's top clubs week in, week out.
Best of luck Gooch!!!!!
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The words "gooch" and "bonera" all over this post made me laugh, a lot.
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