After a preseason of uncertainty, Carlos Bacca returned to the San Siro with a bang.
Having scored 20 goals last season across all competitions, the Columbian seemed set for a move to Premier League side West Ham. Milan seemed resigned to losing their most potent threat in attack, but were eventually able to stave off this interest and keep Bacca, who has repaid them superbly.
On matchday One against Torino, there were heavy doubts over his fitness and whether his heart was really in it. However, unbelievably audiences saw his best shift for Milan to date, with sublime instincts in front of goal leading to a hat-trick. A well taken header gave the Rossoneri the lead on 38 minutes, before a superb finish in the second-half restored their lead. Giacomo Bonaventura’s run resulted in a penalty and an eventual third for Bacca.
According to WhoScored.com, he had five shots in total against Torino. Four of these hit the target, and three of them went in. His 22 touches were the lowest among Milan’s starting players, but he still managed to register a hat-trick – showing his value to the fullest of extents.
However, the question remains as to whether he can shoot Milan back to the top. With this present team, the answer is a simple no. Although, a return to Europe with Bacca leading the line is not a foregone conclusion. He has players who will continue to develop each and every week with unflinching potential. Along with this is the new Chinese investment which is incoming for the Rossoneri. A war chest in the excess of 800 million euros provides Montella with enough money to splash on players to bolster their arsenal.
Now 29-years of age and reaching his physical peak, Bacca’s time to steal the spotlight is now. If Milan want the best out of him, they need another 20+ goal season and become one of the Serie A’s premier players. With the service of names such as Giacomo Bonaventura, Suso and M’Baye Niang on the wings playing prominent roles in the meantime. Expect the Columbian to have a range of chances inside the 18-yard box. However, it is his ability to create his own chances that will be key for a Milan, as they have a struggling midfield three.
This is the season where Bacca needs to lead Milan and provide an example as an experienced figurehead. A team which has struggled for years and is longing for a return to the European stage requires experience – which the Colombian can do with such qualities and clinical finishing on the park.
Vincenzo Montella has implemented a solid structure for Milan to work with and coupled by a new investment, the results may come sooner rather than later. With Bacca getting an increase in service from a reinvigorated midfield (upon transfers) and the quality wingers which he has at his disposal, the sky is the limit. There are zero signs that he is slowing down and 2016-17 could be his best season yet.
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