Starting as a Defensive Midfielder at Real Madrid

Chapter 39: Everybody Loves the Little Lion

After that day's training session ended, Allegri immediately announced the starting eleven for Milan's upcoming league match against Cagliari.

Li Ang made the cut.

So did Pirlo.

And the moment Allegri praised Pirlo's performance as if nothing unusual had happened the day before, Li Ang knew—

He had succeeded.

His partnership with Pirlo had produced the result he had hoped for. Or rather, Pirlo's "remaining fuel reserves" had far exceeded Allegri's expectations.

Li Ang, playing the role of a young Gattuso, alongside the real, aging Gattuso on the opposite side, used his gritty defensive coverage and reliable distribution to provide Pirlo with the shield he needed.

No Italian coach could resist the temptation of a Pirlo performing at his full potential.

Even Allegri—who had planned to phase Pirlo out—had tried to give the midfield maestro chances early in the season. But Pirlo's unique role came with its own problems.

As a deep-lying playmaker, he could single-handedly control a team's rhythm, but on the flip side, his defensive shortcomings required immense coverage from his midfield partners.

In the past, Gattuso, Ambrosini, or Seedorf had done the dirty work.

But now, with age catching up to those veterans, even their technique couldn't make up for the decline in stamina and coverage.

Pirlo's flaws had been laid bare.

He could offer support, and his positioning and football IQ were still top-notch, but his physical condition meant he simply couldn't handle repeated central attacks on his own.

The two defeats to Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this season made that painfully obvious.

Khedira, following Mourinho's orders, broke through Milan's midfield with brute-force forward runs, and once Gattuso was a step late in tracking, Pirlo had no choice but to foul—or get bypassed completely.

Allegri's earlier decision to bench Pirlo wasn't baseless.

But now?

Watching this rejuvenated Pirlo, Allegri had to admit—

He'd been wrong.

Li Ang had arrived. And surprisingly, he could even play on both flanks of the midfield.

With a ball-winner in front of him again, Pirlo was flourishing. His vulnerabilities covered, his brilliance returned.

How could Allegri not use him now?

There was no longer a need to search for a new destroyer-type midfielder. Pirlo was once again Milan's true centerpiece.

January 6th, 2:00 p.m.

As AC Milan and Cagliari released their starting lineups, not just fans of the two clubs—even neutrals were left dumbfounded.

Pirlo, who hadn't started a league game since the 1–2 loss to Juventus in Round 9, was back in the eleven?

Casual fans glanced over the lineup.

Right—Li Ang, the new kid from Real Madrid, was starting. That made sense.

But if Li Ang was starting, why was Pirlo there too?

Was Allegri finally switching to a double-pivot?

Tactically savvy Italian fans were intrigued.

Meanwhile, some of the more skeptical Milan fans who'd opposed Li Ang's arrival were suddenly confused.

"Maybe he really didn't come to steal Andrea's spot."

"Think their double-pivot will work?"

"Possibly. I saw him play with Xabi Alonso at Madrid. They looked good together."

"But Andrea's not as good defensively as Alonso. Can Li Ang carry the entire back half alone?"

"Whatever. Kickoff's in a few minutes. We'll see soon enough."

In the away end packed with several thousand Milanisti, these discussions buzzed just before kickoff.

But once both teams had lined up and taken their positions on the pitch—

A wave of astonishment swept through the Milan fan section.

"He's playing LEFT MIDFIELD!

Li Ang's starting as a left central midfielder!

This isn't the 4-2-3-1 the media predicted—Milan are in a diamond 4-4-2!"

Even Sky Italia's commentators were caught off guard.

They had confidently announced a 4-2-3-1 just minutes earlier.

Turns out, Allegri had pulled a fast one—tricking both Cagliari manager Donadoni and the entire media.

"This is a very surprising tactical shift.

But Li Ang has never played as a left midfielder before.

At Real Madrid, he was always a holding midfielder.

Can he adapt and perform well in this unfamiliar role?"

The doubt was real.

Viewers across Italy focused their gaze on Li Ang, who remained calm as he took his starting position and began jogging.

Everyone wanted to see nervousness on his face.

But no—they saw nothing but confidence.

With his first touch—a clean, quick reception and immediate pass—Li Ang officially launched his Milan career.

No mistakes. Just crisp, efficient work.

He moved fluidly, passed smartly, and covered ground like a machine. The entire left side of Milan's midfield flowed smoothly thanks to him.

It wasn't flashy.

But for Milan fans, it was already a pleasant surprise.

"Wow… he really can play midfield.

We've strengthened both central midfield and the holding role.

At the very least, he's a great backup.

Ambrosini and Flamini can take their time recovering."

Some fans declared their satisfaction early.

And then—

Came the moment that stunned the entire Rossoneri fanbase.

Only seven minutes in, Cagliari finally won a ball back deep in their half.

Midfielders Lazzari and Nainggolan surged forward with pace.

On the right, Gattuso was already falling behind.

Pirlo had begun his retreat, but every Milan fan watching clenched up in fear.

They'd seen this scenario too many times this season.

Gattuso late to press, Pirlo left alone, overwhelmed.

But this time…

A fast, athletic young man with flowing hair and a bright smile came sprinting across from the left.

Cagliari fans screamed.

Nainggolan never checked over his shoulder—he didn't see the danger coming.

Suddenly, a powerful force slammed into him.

He lost his balance. The ball was gone.

"Incredible pace!

LI ANG—!!!

What a fantastic recovery tackle!

My God! Before Nainggolan could even reach Pirlo, Li Ang shut the whole counterattack down!

No foul! Just a perfectly timed, clean challenge!

Is this the 'surprise' Allegri prepared for Cagliari?!"

As the commentator screamed in disbelief, Milan's away fans roared with joy and relief.

Pirlo brushed his hair back, calmly picked up the pass from Li Ang, and sprayed it wide to Zambrotta, who was already making a forward run.

Then he turned to Li Ang with a smile—and an extended hand.

"Well done!"

"Just doing my job, Andrea."

They high-fived, smiling at each other.

Li Ang turned and jogged back to his position, full of energy.

Watching his new partner's back retreat into midfield, Pirlo smiled again.

"No wonder Zlatan said… everyone loves the Little Lion."

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