Can Milan take some positives from this season?

Those were the days

Recent success at San Siro has been painted in blue more often than red. Inter Milan notched up five straight Serie A titles since the infamous match-fixing scandal. AC Milan managed to bag one before Juventus recovered fully from the scandal to dominate Serie A again. During this period, Milan parted away with Carlo Anchelotti, the coach who brought them European triumph twice, and also transited from veteran-based squad to more youth-based.

Although Massimiliano Allegri was still able to engineer a league title during the transition, the board has finally exhausted their patience in this turbulent season and decided to offer club legend Clarence Seedorf his first club to manage. A complete turnaround is close to impossible as they are still six points away from Europa football and ten from Champions League, but could Seedorf and Milan supporters take some positives out of this campaign and hope for a better future?

The future pillars are growing

Undoubtedly Mattia De Sciglio is the most exciting prospect of Milan in recent years. A solid fullback with good sense of positioning and strong with both feet, De Sciglio also shows glimpse of brilliance on the attacking end, gradually drawing comparison to the legendary Paolo Maldini. Conquering injury and the pressure of expectation will lead him to become another star at San Siro.

Another bright points are the two midfield youngster Riccardo Saponara and Bryan Cristante. Their playing opportunity is still relatively limited but has already showed some refreshing sign in their brief appearance. Compared to Cristante, the highly-rated Saponara will face even stiffer competition at attacking midfielder position, but also offer Seedorf the option to field three playmakers to support Mario Balotelli.

Don't forget new recruit Keisuke Honda. He is still yet to hit the ground running but the Japanese's ability is proven in the European stage. Even though Milan might have made a mess in acquiring him, there is a good reason why they are his long term admirer. Honda and Kaka could be a devastating attacking pair in Serie A.  

The belief is there

Clarence Seedorf is a statue of success, having title-winning season in four different countries, including at San Siro, and of course notably the three Champions League trophies with three different teams. His tactical knowledge might not be as wealthy as Allegri, but his team-talk might be more inspiring to a group who has not used to enjoying regular success.  

Seedorf is an inspiring figure to the squad 

Adel Taarabt and Urby Emanuelsson in particular seems to have been encouraged by the arrival of Seedorf and showed a much better display in second half of the season. They might not have seen the results come yet, but the way they played lately demonstrates more self-belief and surely is more enjoyable for the fans to watch.

Challenges ahead

Their defence is no longer as solid as traditionally it was and have let them down numerous time this season. If De Sciglio is projected to be their long-term right back, a strong left-back, at least defensively, than Constant or Emanuelsson is needed. Also, Daniele Bonera certainly has passed the peak , while Philippe Mexes' decline and temperament is worrying. There are many loopholes at the back.

Behind Super Mario, Milan is also short of options in striker position. Even with El Shaarawy returning fit and healthy, it is obvious that they miss a clinical finisher, like Seedorf's old teammate Filippo Inzaghi, to convert the creativity of their midfield to goals.

Honda (facing)  represents the future of Rossoneri

Allegri transformed Milan to play at a higher pace and press opponents fast and furious high up the field. However, this is not a young group and individuals like Robinho, Essien and Kaka often run out of steam before the final whistle. The aging centrebacks are also well-exposed playing a high line defence.

There are holes to be filled. The glorious history and the honour to play at San Siro is still appealing,  but likely without Champions League football, also with Financial Fair Play coming into effect, can they compete with teams like PSG and Manchester City to attract young talents to join Seedorf's revival project?