Marco Pellegrino insight: Scouting report, stats, transfer rating and more | OneFootball

Marco Pellegrino has become the ninth acquisition of a busy transfer window by AC Milan this summer, and the first for the defensive department.

On their official website, Milan confirmed earlier in the week that they have completed the permanent signing of Pellegrino from Club Atlético Platense. The Argentinian defender has signed a contract with the Rossoneri until 30 June 2028.

The president of Club Atletico Platense, Sebastian Ordonez, lifted the lid on how the negotiation with Milan went for Pellegrino including the terms agreed upon during an interview that came out earlier today.

So, let’s take a look at what AC Milan fans can expect of their latest singing…

Back story

Born in Bueno Aires on 18 July 2002, Pellegrino is 21 years old. Along with possessing an Argentinian passport, the player also has Italian citizenship from his parental grandfather.

He said in an interview after his move to Italy was confirmed that he can understand and speak the language to a good level which is good to have as this will hopefully allow him to settle faster and better in the country.

Pellegrino joined the Platense youth sector and been a one club man since, moving up the ranks and finally becoming a regular first team player in the 2022-23 season, making 17 appearances in the Argentine first division and even getting his first professional goal on the final game of the season in a 1-1 draw away at Gimnasia.

His performances during this season caught the eye of many clubs from Europe but it was Milan in the end who prevailed and secured his services.

Style of play

At 6ft tall, Pellegrino is not the tallest of centre-backs, but he is very quick and likes to play a high line. He is a very aggressive defender off the ball as he likes going in for 50-50s and isn’t scared to put his body on the line, although he is careful when doing so as he only picked up three yellow cards in 17 appearances.

He is left-footed, and he can use that left foot of his well as he is very calm and composed on the ball. He likes playing from the back and likes to do line breaking passes as well as delivering great long balls. He also likes to carry the ball forward.

Due to his great acceleration and good agility, Pellegrino can also do a job at left back and thanks to how composed he is on the ball and great awareness, can play just ahead of the defence and shield it well.

Strengths

Acceleration: Pellegrino is super quick as since he likes to play high, this quality of his comes in handy when he needs to retain possession or when he needs to carry the ball forward. He is rarely beaten in a race by another player.

Passing: The Argentine knows how to pick a good pass. He is good at breaking the line with a single pass and his passing accuracy last season was among the best in the Argentinian topflight from defenders.

Awareness: Despite being so young and only have played 17 times in professional football, the defender has a great sense of awareness in the pitch and can scan danger fast. This allows him to have solid positioning during the game which enables less danger to come towards the team.

Areas to improve

Aerial duals: A part of the game Pellegrino needs to work on is his game in the air. Due to now being super tall for a defender, the centre half gets beaten In the air a lot so this is something he needs to work on.

Conclusion

Overall, this is a smart move on the face of things. As mentioned, the transfer fee is low and due to that the risks from this are minimal. Since this is someone Geoffrey Moncada found, that boosts the hopes.

This can be another Thiaw-esque move, depending on the chances he gets and if he settles to life in Italy well. He could play in the Coppa Italia, for example, and this is for sure an investment for the future rather than the present.

Transfer Rating: 7/10