Name: Riccardo Saponara
Club: Milan
Nationality: Italian
Position: Attacking midfield
Who is he?
A product of lower Division side Ravenna, Saponara was snapped up by Serie B team Empoli in the summer of 2010 after just three games.
Starting out as a winger, the 21-year-old’s impact was slow in coming. But at the start of this season he was moved into a trequartista (attacking midfielder behind the strikers) by Empoli with devastating effects.
Starting 40 league games, he netted 13 times from his attacking midfield berth, establishing himself as Empoli’s star man and earning comparisons to former World Player of the Year, Kaka.
Achievements
The comparisons to the Brazilian will only grow after he signed for AC Milan in January where Kaka shone during the mid-2000s.
Yet to make his debut for the Rossoneri, he spent the second half of this season on loan at Empoli in order to continue his development.
However he is a key part of the Italy U21’s and is a member of the squad that is currently taking part in the European Championship in Israel. He scored the opening goal in the 4 – 0 win over the hosts last Sunday, starting on the right flank.
Attributes
The comparisons to Kaka have emerged ever since he moved from the wings to the centre where he has revelled in his new found freedom.
At 1m84, his physique mirrors Kaka’s graceful gait as well as his eye for a pass, balance and intelligent runs into space.
Over the past season that eye for a pass has been rewarded with 14 assists in the league.
Although he is less effective on the wings, he is versatile enough to play out wide as he has been doing with the Italy U21s.
Potential
AC Milan’s decision to sign him up suggests he has huge potential. His mental strength will be key as he makes the step up to Serie A as he has been working with renowned mental coach Roberto Civitarese.
This will be key in his early months at Milan where he will be fighting for a regular spot.
Last season, Milan tended to play with a 4-3-3 but are possibly going to move to a 4-2-3-1 next season, with Saponara the only player in the current squad that is suited to the No 10 role.
