AC Milan predicted lineup for 2022-23 season

The Rossoneri have made a few key additions to their team heading into the new season.

The last decade was not the best of times for legendary Italian club AC Milan. The club was struggling and failing to secure a Champions League spot on most occasions. However, this decade has already proved to be much better. After finishing second behind rivals Inter in 2020-21, the Rossoneri came back stronger and secured their first Serie A title in 11 years in 2021-22.

AC Milan haven’t won back-to-back league titles since winning it three years in a row in the early 1990s. Manager Stefan Pioli and his team would like to do exactly that. With three new signings already made and two more expected to come, here is a look at how AC Milan could line up in the 2022-23 season.

Mike Maignan (Goalkeeper)

Mike Maignan was brought in from Lille last summer to fill in the boots of Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Frenchman was the main man for AC Milan between the posts last season. Maignan put in terrific performances in his first season in Serie A, finishing with 17 clean sheets in 32 appearances. He was awarded the trophy for the Best Goalkeeper in Serie A. The 27-year-old is all set to be AC Milan’s first-choice goalkeeper as they go on to defend their title in the upcoming season.

Davide Calabria (Right back)

Davide Calabria has spent all his career at AC Milan, starting from his academy days. The 26-year-old is now the captain of the club and has made nearly 150 league appearances for the Rossoneri. Naturally, he is one of the first names in the starting XI. The right-back started 24 league games last season and provided crucial assists against Inter and Napoli. Calabria will undoubtedly be leading his team on the pitch in their title defense next season.

Pierre Kalulu (Centre back)

With the departure of Alessio Romagnoli and no replacements signed yet, it is very likely Pierre Kalulu will be partnering Fikayo Tomori in central defense. This is not unfamiliar territory for the Frenchman as he has played in this position last season when Romagnoli was injured. The pair of Tomori and Kalulu conceded just two goals in the last 11 matches of the campaign. With the two of them combining so well and Kjaer still easing his way back from injury, Kalulu looks all set to start as a centre-back for Milan next season.

Fikayo Tomori (Centre- back)

Tomori became a regular starter for Milan after Simon Kjaer’s injury. The centre-back turned out to be a pivotal part of Milan’s defense in their title win. AC Milan conceded only 31 goals last season and Tomori had a big role to play in that. The Englishman also set up a good defensive partnership with Kalulu towards the end of the season which is very likely to continue next season.

Theo Hernandez (Left back)

Theo Hernandez has been very good over the years in the left-back position for Milan. The 24-year-old, who joined the Rossoneri back in 2019, has made close to 100 appearances for the club. The Frenchman is particularly famous for the threat he provides going forward. Hernandez made 32 appearances last season, scoring five times and providing six assists.

Ismael Bennacer (Centre midfield)

Bennacer is known for his versatility in the midfield. The Algerian made 15 starts in the league last season playing in a deeper role. He also put up dominating displays against the likes of Inter and Napoli. With the departure of Frank Kessie to FC Barcelona, it is very likely Bennacer will take up the vacant position in Milan’s midfield.

Sandro Tonali (Centre midfield)

Sandro Tonali made his move to Milan permanent last summer. Since then, he has impressed both fans and pundits alike. The youngster played a big role in AC Milan’s title win last season. The 22-year-old made 31 starts in the league for the Rossoneri last season, scored five goals and provided three assists. Considered to be a generational talent by some, the youngster is set to be a part of Milan’s midfield for years to come.

Charles De Ketelaere (Right wing)

AC Milan’s latest signing, De Ketelaere joins the Rossoneries from Club Brugge. The youngster has impressed in the Belgian league, scoring 14 goals and providing with 8 assists last season. Renowned for his dribbling skills and his creative ability, the 21-year-old can play in a number of forward positions. He is most likely to play in the right side of AC Milan’s attack next season.

Brahim Diaz (Attacking Midfield)

Brahim Diaz has been at AC Milan on loan from Real Madrid since 2020. The youngster will be on loan to AC Milan next season as well. Diaz started 25 games in the league for the defending champions, scoring and assisting three times. Playing in the attacking midfield, he is the creative head of the team. The 22-year-old created 31 chances in the league last season and will want to continue in the same vein come next season. Diaz is likely to start ahead of new signing Charles De Ketelaere who will take some time to settle in the team and the league.

Rafael Leao (Left wing)

Rafael Leao had a wonderful time last season, enjoying one of the best seasons of his young career. The winger was pivotal in AC Milan’s success last season. The Portuguese made 31 starts in the league last season and scored 11 goals. He also provided eight assists. Leao was awarded the Serie A MVP award for his performances in the 2021-22 season. He is one of the best dribblers in Europe and is set to be one of the first names in the team sheet next season.

Divock Origi (Striker)

Another new signing, Divock Origi joined AC Milan on a free transfer earlier this transfer window. The Belgian international looks likely to start ahead of Olivier Giroud in the upcoming season. Giroud, despite all his contributions last season, will be turning 36 soon. Therefore it is much more likely that Origi will play the role of the striker for the Rossoneri next season. Origi, who has a knack of scoring crucial goals, was not a regular starter at Liverpool. He would like to prove to everyone that he can be the main striker of a team and AC Milan will provide him with the perfect opportunity to do that.