OM: A Preparation That Sends a Real Message

You saw it like us, friends: for the first pre-season match, De Zerbi didn't hold back. Right away, he fielded the main team from the start, instead of haphazardly mixed line-ups like in some years. There's a clear intention to get everyone involved from the get-go. Remember the slow starts from previous seasons? Now, the squad hasn't changed much, so everyone is progressing at the same pace. Honestly, who wasn't impressed by the physical sharpness, especially for a first run against a Dutch third-tier team?

What do you think? Does it reassure you to see our OM already this sharp? Tell us in the comments!

Collective markers and new faces: it’s already clicking

What stands out is this team that knows each other, with automatisms we didn't always see so early. We saw some De Zerbi Ball, slick passing circuits, and especially players who integrate quickly. Gomes and Medina, for instance, are already in the team’s rhythm. Medina, planned to play in the center it seems (so not on the left unless there's a surprise), does that surprise you? If a left-back comes in to replace Merlin, this position will be firmly sealed. Gomes, very efficient in recovery alongside Hojbjerg, has hardly lost anything, it's solid. Talk about this in two months?

The left-side project: Rowe, Paixao... who will assert themselves?

The hot topic at the moment is Paixao on the left. But be careful, he's coming in injured and should miss the start of the season. Result: Jonathan Rowe has a real opportunity. Do you see Rowe taking the starting position if Paixao takes time to return? Let’s be honest, if he makes a strong impression from the first games, De Zerbi won't take him out easily, especially with such competition. And then, his versatility can allow Greenwood to rest. How much do you bet that Rowe will really count this season?

Aubameyang, the X-factor once again?

We saw him stay, and honestly, it's really good news. His experience, his ability to make a difference in crucial moments, is worth gold. But behind, reinforcements will be needed. Medina, it's encouraging (special mention for his goal from a corner, that's different from last year!), but one or two more defensive profiles are still missing to solidify the block. Who are you targeting in the transfer market to strengthen the back line?

Midfield De Zerbi style: Gomes, Hojbjerg, Rabiot, is it the recipe?

We were all surprised by Gomes’ position, close to Hojbjerg, with Rabiot higher up. Is this set for the season? Hard to say, but his profile matches De Zerbi’s football perfectly: small stature, very comfortable under pressure, always technically sound. Honestly, do you like this approach?

The B team lacking inspiration: concern or just an accident?

Another topic, the substitutes in the second half didn’t score, despite the 5-0 already achieved. Should we be worried or not? The context can explain some of the slowdown: game secured, motivation declined, a second team without bearings... But this is also where we expect to see players like Harit or Nadir make a difference. Do you expect more from these players?

Game system: 4-3-3 hybrid, De Zerbi’s trademark

On the tactical side, no major revolution, but interesting nuances. Officially, it’s a 4-3-3 in defense. But with the ball, Egan-Riley moves very high, almost as a midfielder, while Cornelius stays central. We find this famous hybrid role already seen with Merlin. Kondogbia balances things at the back. Are you fans of this system, or do you prefer the classic three-man defense?

And now? Let’s debate!

You got it, this pre-season gives us reasons for hope but also areas for improvement. Our OM is progressing, but more moves are expected, especially in the transfer market. Who do you see coming in defense? Should we worry about the squad depth? Let’s discuss in the comments!