Starting as a Defensive Midfielder at Real Madrid

Chapter 38: Who Says He's Just a Defensive Midfielder?

AC Milan didn't give Li Ang much time to adjust.

He arrived in Milan on January 4th. By January 5th, he was already participating in a full day of training with his new teammates.

And before even finishing the morning session, he was officially named to Milan's matchday squad for Serie A Round 18, essentially taking the place of the still-injured Flamini.

Given that Milan were neck and neck with Napoli at the top of the table, under normal circumstances Allegri would never risk starting a brand-new signing in such a key match.

Veterans were safer. More reliable.

Li Ang didn't even know most of his teammates yet, let alone understand Milan's tactics or develop any real chemistry.

But reality, as always, had its own ideas.

With Ronaldinho already shown the door and Pirlo semi-benched, Allegri was reluctant to gamble on youngster Merkel.

That left him with exactly one option for the defensive midfield role: Li Ang.

Before announcing the lineup publicly, Allegri called Li Ang into his office during the lunch break.

A few minutes of symbolic small talk, followed by a gentle "reminder."

After all, Li Ang had been specifically requested by Allegri. He wanted the boy to hold up under pressure—and use his performance to silence critics both inside and outside the locker room.

Sure, there was a touch of ulterior motive—Li Ang was another "scalpel" for Allegri to continue cutting down Milan's aging veterans.

But Allegri didn't believe Li Ang would refuse the opportunity to start. Who would?

So he spoke casually, almost reassuringly.

But then Li Ang did something unexpected—he pushed back.

"Actually, I think I can play alongside Pirlo in a double pivot. Like I did with Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid.

Or, Coach, you can use me on either side of the midfield three.

I can support the attacking midfielder and cover for the holding role as needed."

Allegri almost thought he'd misheard.

A double pivot?

Play on the flanks of midfield?

The first one he could somewhat accept.

But the second…

"Do you even know what you're saying, Li Ang?

Do you understand why I brought you to AC Milan?"

Allegri's expression turned stern. Li Ang quickly nodded.

"Of course, Coach.

You want a more aggressive defensive midfielder.

In your tactical plan, the deep-lying playmaker isn't the focus anymore.

What matters most is stabilizing the defense and improving ball recovery in midfield.

Build the attack around Zlatan, and as long as the back half holds, Milan's frontline will still be sharp and effective."

That explanation earned Allegri's approval.

But then Li Ang added:

"Still, I believe I can coexist with Pirlo.

In fact, when we're on the pitch together, Milan's midfield will be even more dangerous and effective."

Allegri wasn't sure where this confidence came from.

He was about to shut him down.

But Li Ang's next line made him pause.

"Coach, don't you want to see a normal Pirlo again?"

That question hit Allegri like a slap.

He had the perfect answer on his tongue—"No, I don't."

But it wouldn't come out.

Instead, he found himself muttering:

"And how exactly do you plan to make that happen?

Pirlo's aging. Gattuso and Seedorf are aging.

You can't turn back time."

"No. But I can run more.

As long as Pirlo is on the pitch, I'll do all the defensive dirty work he can't.

I'll cover the distance he doesn't.

I might not sweep the midfield as well as Gattuso did in his prime—but I'll be more efficient in my interceptions.

And I can adjust to this role. I can support the build-up too."

Allegri looked at the young man before him—so confident, so composed.

And in the end, he made the simplest decision.

That afternoon, in the intra-squad scrimmage, Li Ang was paired with Pirlo, clearly positioned as a left central midfielder.

All of Milan's veterans turned to look at Allegri.

But Allegri didn't explain, didn't correct. He simply signaled for the session to continue.

Li Ang showed no hesitation. He began patrolling the wide spaces of the left flank with impressive stamina.

He supported Pirlo's distribution, provided protection for Seedorf in the advanced role, and helped Antonini lock down the left side defensively.

Sure, there were some coordination errors due to unfamiliarity—but Li Ang's overall performance exceeded all expectations.

Even Allegri was stunned.

Li Ang's link-up play and transitions weren't elite, but they were more than adequate.

Most importantly, he kept pace with Pirlo and Seedorf's tempo.

He wasn't bluffing.

Allegri had to admit it: Li Ang's positioning on the left side of midfield—functioning as a connector and support player—was viable.

This wasn't something Li Ang had shown at Real Madrid.

He hadn't even hinted at it during his training session yesterday, where he stuck strictly to defensive duties.

So Allegri genuinely had no idea this was even in his skillset.

"Passing support is fine.

Short passing seems tighter than before…

And this kid only played half a season with Alonso at Real?

He's already learned this much?"

While Allegri's mind swirled with questions, Li Ang showed his usual excellence on defense.

His wide-range coverage turned the entire left half of the field into a no-go zone.

Opponents who tried attacking his side found themselves constantly frustrated.

He didn't waste energy, didn't run aimlessly. His movement always cut into the "arteries" of the opposing attack.

His positional sense was simply too good.

Add in his stamina, and Li Ang was like a machine built to destroy build-ups.

Facing him, Boateng and Ibrahimović became visibly irritated.

Sure, they could force something against him if they really tried.

But the cost? Too much energy. Too much effort.

Worse yet, Li Ang was like chewing gum. Even if you shook him off once, he'd stick right back on within seconds.

A nightmare to play against.

As Boateng and Ibrahimović labored, Pirlo found himself free for the first time in ages.

Li Ang's overprotection let Pirlo focus entirely on organizing the attack.

And with that newfound comfort, Pirlo was back.

He pulled the strings beautifully, exploiting holes in the defense with long and short passes alike.

In the forty-minute scrimmage, Pirlo's side managed a 1-1 draw—with most of their teammates being second-stringers.

They created threats, scored once, and held off Milan's starting front line.

"Who said he's just a defensive midfielder?"

Boateng grumbled after training.

And his teammates silently nodded.

Sure, Li Ang hadn't shown off any spectacular attacking moves.

But his coordination and vision?

Perfectly adequate.

Strong on defense, tireless, and able to integrate into the attacking rhythm.

Wasn't that exactly the kind of midfielder Allegri loved most?

As they glanced at their coach—stroking his chin, eyes glowing—it became clear.

Another formation change might be coming.

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