Milan’s striking crisis at the forward position deepened this week, with Gonçalo Ramos failing to deliver on a significant investment, Calciomercato reported. The Portuguese forward, acquired for a reported €75 million from Paris Saint-Germain, has scored only three goals in all competitions this season, raising concerns about his ability to lead the line as the club competes on multiple fronts.
Ramos’ Scoring Drought Raises Questions at Milan
Ramos’ performance has become a central issue for coach Ruben Amorim and the Rossoneri. While he scored a goal from the penalty spot against Atalanta on October 18, his lone open-play goal came in the second matchday against Venezia on August 28. His overall contribution stands at three goals, one assist, and a 79% pass completion rate, with 50% of his shots finding the target, il Giornale reported.
His output is especially stark when compared to his international form. During the September international break with Portugal, Ramos was among the most prolific forwards in Europe, benefiting from precise assists from teammate Joao Felix. This contrast has fueled speculation about his adaptation to Milan’s tactical setup and the support he receives from his club teammates, il Giornale noted.
Amorim Acknowledges Need for Tactical Adjustment
Coach Amorim has not overlooked the problem. Amorim is reportedly searching for a more rational and concrete formula to integrate Ramos into the team’s attack, il Giornale explained.
The tactical focus is on getting Ramos into more dangerous positions inside the penalty area. In the recent Derby della Madonnina, teammates like Charles De Ketelaere and Christian Pulisic found the net, while Ramos was frequently isolated and criticized for his positioning, Tuttosport reported. The question from fans and pundits after the match was a recurring one: “But where was Ramos?”
A Costly Drought: The €6.3 Million per Goal Concern
The financial stakes add another layer to the striker’s struggles. With a reported transfer fee of between €73.1 million and €75 million, his lack of goals has drawn stark analysis. One Italian outlet calculated that every goal scored by Ramos has effectively cost the club approximately €6.3 million, a figure that underscores the immense pressure on him to perform, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported.
His current output has drawn comparisons to past Milan struggles in the striker position. drew a parallel to Hernan Crespo’s difficult start at the club in 2004, where the Argentine striker failed to score in his first 12 Serie A matches before finding his rhythm and eventually scoring 18 goals that season. While Ramos does not yet face the same level of competition for his spot from a young prospect like Francesco Camarda, the expectation for him to deliver remains high.
European League Woes Highlight Team Inconsistency
Ramos’ struggles are part of a broader pattern of inconsistency for Milan, particularly evident in the UEFA Europa League. After a dominant performance in the Derby della Madonnina, the team suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Ferencvaros in the Europa League, FC Inter 1908 reported. This result marked the team’s third loss in the competition, leaving them in 28th place out of 36 teams and currently outside the playoff spots.
Player Fitness and Upcoming Challenges
In contrast, their next opponent, Genoa under coach Daniele De Rossi, has been in excellent form, collecting 12 points from their last five matches with three consecutive domestic victories. This matchup will present a significant test for a Milan side grappling with both its attacking output at the striker position and its defensive availability. The club’s ability to handle these challenges will be closely watched in the coming weeks as they aim to solidify their position in Serie A while their European campaign hangs in the balance.
Answering Questions About Ramos
- How many goals has Gonçalo Ramos scored for Milan?
- According to reports from il Giornale, Ramos has scored three goals in all competitions this season, with one of those coming from the penalty spot.
- What did coach Ruben Amorim say about Ramos’ performance?
- Amorim has publicly stated, “We need to help Ramos more,” indicating that he is looking to adjust the team’s tactics to better support the striker, il Giornale reported.
- How much did Milan pay for Gonçalo Ramos?
- Reports from il Giornale indicate the transfer fee was €75 million, while FC Inter 1908 cited a figure of €73.1 million paid to Paris Saint-Germain.
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