After another impressive display in Milan’s win over Lazio this weekend, Simon Kjaer continues to establish himself as an important figure in the side this season.
As noted by the club’s site, the 31-year-old joined us on an initial loan deal in January until the end of the season, while we have an option included in the agreement to make his move permanent.
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Since his arrival, he has made 11 appearances across all competitions, and he has emerged as a potentially vital part of the squad moving forward in the short period he has spent at San Siro.
Injuries are an obvious concern as he has picked up issues either side of the coronavirus lockdown, while he’ll turn 32 next March and so he’s certainly heading towards the latter stages of his career.
Nevertheless, there are crucial factors in favour of why Milan should seriously consider signing him permanently to extend his stay with us.
Important impact, key partnership
Through his experience, leadership, physicality, tactical and positional awareness as well as his composure on the ball, the Dane has impressed when he has featured.
He has helped to shore up the backline as in the seven Serie A games that he has featured in for the Rossoneri, we’ve conceded just five goals. While if you count the Coppa Italia outings too, we’ve let in eight goals in 11 games that he’s been involved in.
That’s an impressive tally and it has given us a foundation on which to build and to go out and win games, while Kjaer has certainly struck up a solid partnership with captain Alessio Romagnoli too.
Admittedly, neither are the quickest. However, they’ve worked well thus far to help cover each other, provide defensive solidity and help us build play from the back as they are more than comfortable with the ball at their feet.
There is an obvious balance with the left-foot and right-foot combination, while Kjaer’s experience helps him lead and set the tone for the rest of the defence to support our captain and bring a new level of security to the defence. Combined with midfield duo Ismael Bennacer and Franck Kessie offering protection in front of them, we’re starting to look really difficult to break down for the most part.
With Leo Duarte continuing to struggle with injuries and Mateo Musacchio out for four months after undergoing ankle surgery with his current contract set to expire in 2021, the reasons in favour of signing Kjaer on a permanent basis start to stack up.
It could be a low-cost operation given his age and lack of playing time at Sevilla, and even if Milan decided that they wanted to sign a longer-term solution in that department, Kjaer can offer the type of quality depth needed to help us compete on multiple fronts next season and beyond.
He has undoubtedly made a positive impression since January and has proven to be a smart addition to the squad. If he continues this level of form in the remaining eight games, it’s going to be incredibly hard to make a case to suggest that we should pass on our option on him and try to find a better solution elsewhere.
🗣 "I've dreamt of playing for #ACMilan for many years".
The first interview of our new Danish defender: @simonkjaer1989 🔴⚫🗣 "Sognavo il Milan da tanti anni" 🗣
Ecco le prime impressioni in rossonero di Simon Kjær 🔴⚫#SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/4BJQ2RAwK7— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 13, 2020