OPINION: Brocchi can’t ignore Keisuke Honda anymore
The Japan International was one of the mainstays under former boss Sinisa Mihajlovic, though he lost his starter status with the appointment of the former AC Milan and Lazio defensive midfielder.
Scorer of two goals (and seven assists) this term, Honda could be the right man at the right time for the Italian tactician, who’s looking for an offensive midfielder who can play behind the two strikers in his (and Berlusconi’s) favourite 4-3-1-2 sytem.
In his previous two games as AC Milan boss, Brocchi had already tried Giacomo Bonaventura and Kevin-Prince Boateng in that position.
However, the Italian midfielder showed a tendency to play wider than what he should, while the former Ghana International proved to be totally unfit against Carpi, so much so he was replaced in the 61st minute.
Honda has already played as trequartista during his time at VVV Venlo and CSKA Moscow and the last five games of the season will probably tell Brocchi and Berlusconi if he is the player they are looking for to play as offensive midfielder.
The player’s agent and brother Hiro will land in Milan in the next few weeks to held contract extension talks with the San Siro outfit. Honda’s deal runs until 2017 and his future at the club does also depend on his performances under the new manager.
Lorenzo Bettoni @lorebetto, adapted from an article by Federico Albrizio @Albri_Fede90
