Wild cards up Amorim’s sleeve: AC Milan’s versatile stars

FolioPitch.com – 13 August 2026 | In the midst of a new season, AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim is preparing his squad for the challenges ahead. With a 3-4-2-1 system in place, Amorim’s men will need to be adaptable and versatile to succeed. According to SempreMilan, seven players have emerged as potential wild cards, capable of occupying multiple roles in the team.

Adrien Rabiot is one of the first names on the list, with Amorim reportedly considering using him further forward as an attacking midfielder. This would be a departure from his usual box-to-box role in the double pivot, but one that could free up space for Ardon Jashari to slot in alongside Luka Modric. Rabiot’s experience as an attacking midfielder under Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille suggests he has the skills to adapt to this new role.

Davide Bartesaghi is another player who could fill multiple roles, particularly in the left wing-back position. While he may be ahead of Pervis Estupinan in the pecking order, he has the build and confidence to play out from the back on the ball, making him a potential candidate to fill in at left center-back when Strahinja Pavlovic needs a rest or is out.

Yunus Musah is another player who could play multiple roles, with Amorim reportedly an admirer of his flexibility. While he has been used more in the middle in preseason, he has the skills to fill in on the flanks too. With Zachary Athekame potentially leaving, Musah could be used as a wing-back in the Coppa Italia or Europa League, providing a boost to the team’s attacking threat.

Samuel Chukwueze is another player who could be used in different roles, with Amorim reportedly considering trying to mold him into a wing-back. While this may not be an easy transition, Chukwueze has the skills to excel as a left-footed attacking midfielder on the right, with license to cut in and create. In other situations, he could be used as a wing-back to boost the team’s attacking threat.

Alexis Saelemaekers is perhaps the player on this list who has the greatest propensity to play multiple different positions. With his work rate, technical ability, and comfort with both feet, he can realistically play as either a right or left wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1. He is also capable of playing a bit further up field in one of the attacking midfield spots if there are injuries or a need to rotate.

Christopher Nkunku is another player who could be used in different roles, with Amorim reportedly looking to rediscover his form from his RB Leipzig days. On paper, he may seem to be battling with Christian Pulisic for the left-sided playmaker position, but he could swap over to the right side or rotate positions with Pulisic during games. As a ‘break glass in case of emergency’ solution, he could also play up front, using his movements off the last shoulder to open up space.

Koni De Winter is perhaps the biggest unknown quantity of the current center-back options. While he had a rough start to life at Milan, he had a fantastic run of games covering for Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic injuries. Going into the new season, our gut feeling is that De Winter is exactly what Amorim will look to from his center-backs, with the skills to play on the right side of the three and potentially on the left too depending on injuries and/or suspensions.

These seven players have the potential to be the wild cards up Amorim’s sleeve, capable of occupying multiple roles in the team. With their versatility and adaptability, they could be the key to AC Milan’s success in the new season.