Crespo says Gimenez ‘would do well’ at Milan: “He’s a very interesting striker”

AC Milan have lacked a proper striker, a bomber if you like, all season and efforts are ongoing to bring in Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican has got the stamp of approval from former Rossoneri man Hernan Crespo, who praised the potential signing. 

Milan are serious in their pursuit of Gimenez, expected to table a new offer in the coming hours, and the fans are excited about the prospect of signing the Mexican. One who knows what it takes to score for the Rossoneri is Hernan Crespo, who found the back of the net 17 times in 40 appearances.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (see photo below), the legendary striker shared his thoughts on Gimenez and what he could bring to Milan. Having followed him for a long time personally, Crespo made it clear that the Mexican would be a good addition.

Is Gimenez the right man for Milan?

“He’s a very interesting striker, I’ve been following him for a long time. He’s doing well both in the Eredivisie and in European cups, and I’m not just saying that because of his brace against Bayern. He’s a centre-forward who can see the goal, ready for the big leap. In short, I think he would do well in our Serie A, and at Milan in particular.”

What type of player is he?

“We are talking about a centre forward who knows how to make himself respected inside the penalty area. He’s very good at dictating the timing of the runs in behind and, above all, he has always impressed me with his ease of freeing himself.

“He’s good in the air: he elbows, he fights and, often, he gets it. With his left foot, he’s precise in close-range shots and also from long distance. He needs to improve with his right, but that’s a detail.”

What are the benefits if the deal goes through?

“At the moment, in the Rossoneri squad, there is no striker with his characteristics. Morata is a different striker, he loves to talk to his teammates, to tie the game together. Gimenez, on the other hand, combines the two qualities: he participates in the manoeuvre, opens spaces and scores goals. Furthermore, and this is far from secondary, he already has a fair amount of international experience.”

What are the risks?

“Since he was born in 2001, his young age could be a problem, if he were to have some difficulty settling in. But, all things considered, I think he’s already used to European football, to marking, to tactics. Of course, Serie A is tough for someone who comes from abroad.”

What Milan will it be with Gimenez?

“A Milan with an extra solution. I imagine the game that Theo or Leao can develop on the wings on the left, or Pulisic on the right side, and then all the balls that can arrive in the middle of the area where Gimenez is good at freeing himself and preparing for the shot.”

It remains to be seen if Milan can reach an agreement with Feyenoord over the transfer fee, but it’s already clear that at least €35m plus bonuses will be needed to succeed. It’s a heavy investment but one, by the sounds of it, that should pay off.