Player Analysis: Pierre Kalulu

When analysing modern-day defenders, we look ahead more these days, what do they bring to the table? How good are they with the ball? How do they aid their team in playing further up the pitch? Or do they need to “stop wearing gloves in order to give a frightening impression”, as per Zlatan Ibrahimovic?

Along with this, defensive aggression and technical ability have to be on point. 21-year-old Pierre Kalulu is well-rounded and has been Pioli’s go-to man to pair Fikayo Tomori in the 21/22 season, a pairing that sees Milan currently at the top of the table. Kalulu has been the right-sided centre back in a back 4, with Tomori playing on the left.

Kalulu’s primary position previously has not always been as a central defender, he started off as a right-back and transformed more centrally in his days at Lyon, a suited candidate to this role because of his technical abilities.

Speaking on his new role and playstyle to Milan TV, he said “I think I learned how to be a modern defender from a young age. When I was at Lyon, earlier in my career, the coaching style at the whole club was focused on being complete players: technique, speed, playing with the ball at your feet and also reading the game.”