Flamini went to Milan to be their next Gattuso — which should have been easier with the original Gattuso out for the year with an injury. Instead, with Ambrosini, Pirlo and now Beckham as the Milan midfield, Flamini is once again on the bench.

The Flamini thing has perplexed me as well. Ancelotti has difficulty modifying his system to players who don’t quite fit into it (see Gourcuff). It could also be that he was the player he was at Arsenal every season before last and isn’t quite Milan quality.

I’m not sure I play Beckham over Flamini, but he does add an extra dimension to Milan’s game. They’re normally very narrow. When they send Beckham forward down the right he can stretch the field and change the angle of attack.

Bigger than Real? I don’t think so.

1 and 1A.

i remember people during the 2004 cup that he was washed up and done.

That mostly came from the English media, or American media reading the English media. He never was a fast player and has become markedly slower with age, though makes up for some of it with intelligence and positioning. Technique is normally the last thing to go. Despite his shortcomings, his ability with the ball is still spectacular. He’s still the best technical English player.

English soccer is fast with a lot of senseless running back and forth. I don’t think he would do well in the Premier League. Serie A is slower, more tactical and nuanced. I think he can thrive there.

As far as the national team, there is a reason Capello wants him. With his free-kicks and his crossing, he can still pull a goal out of his ass at any time. He’s not going to be a guy who can give 90 minutes and be the focus of the team anymore. But, he can certainly come on after 60 minutes when you need a goal.

Also had a nice shot about how he will make Milan less threatening to Everton and Aston Villa in the Champions League next year.

But why in the hell would he be behind Beckham in the pecking order? Don’t tell me Flamini is being deployed as a winger or Becks is playing CDM

Herm “You play to win the game (ugh)” Edwards signs w/ ESPN. Emmitt probably toast

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/01/29/is-edward-emmitts-replacement/

should have stayed in the Prem with Arsenal.

From starting for Arsenal (and he would be starting right now) to sitting behind Ambrosini and now Beckham. He must be kicking himself now.

Ancelotti does not like young players. He’s like Larry Brown. It’s why Gourcuff is plying his trade in France.

awfully nice work on that goal above.

Flamini can’t get a game

should have stayed in the Prem with Arsenal.

Beckham picked up a yellow for a nice studs up challenge in that game. He looks like he actually gives a f**k.

The surrounding talent is the reason for the new vigor and success. He should stay.

Agree with everything but this. Beckham’s loyalty is to himself and his pursuit of England’s international caps record. He hasn’t sold the game in the US — even when he wasn’t fit and could take time to interview and push the game forward.

MLS is building a good little league with good teams in Houston, Columbus, DC and Chicago and teams coming into existance in Seattle and Philly. The best thing they can do is take the Milanese millions (Ancelotti has some sort of love for old players. Flamini can’t get a game) and go seek more talent here and in Latin America.