Pato can become the best in the world
AC Milan's Brazilian forward Pato (L) is congratulated by teammate Brazilian Kaka after scoring against Udine during their Italian Serie A football match on December 21, 2008 at San Siro Stadium in Milan. AFP PHOTO / DAMIEN MEYER (Photo credit should read DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images)
Alexandre Pato has scored 15 goals for Milan since he joined them in 2007.
Ancelotti spoke to Il Corriera della Sera about his star striker,
“For me he is potentially the strongest striker in the world,” he said in an interview to ‘Il Corriere della Sera’. “He has an incredible shot and great speed, in fact he’s twice as fast as a normal athlete.”
He was asked if Pato could be compared with country man and Corinthians player Ronaldo, the coach said: “There are some similarities. But Pato still has to improve a lot. Too often when he receives the ball he takes too much time, he has to be more concrete.
“The perfect example of what he should do on the pitch is the move that led to Kaká’s goal against Udinese. I say that if he doesn’t become the best striker in the world in the next 10 years, the blame will be partly his and partly that of his coaches.”
AC Milan vs Udinese highlights 21st December 2008
Near hatrick for both Kaka and Pato
Both Kaka and Pato were one shy of a hatrick as AC Milan beat Udinese 5-1. Seedorf also added to the scoresheet as Milan played in front of their new team mate David Beckham.
Milan scored early with a header from Pato in the 4th minute and then a tap in from Kaka at the 13th minute. Udinese pulled one back with an excellent strike from Di Natalie but Milan were too strong again with a quick answer from Pato a minute later.
It looked like Pato was going to score his hatrick as he went one on one against the keeper but the keeper did well to take it off the foot of Pato. Just before the end of the first half Pirlo took a free kick which deflected off the upright but Seedorf was there to make sure it was in the back of the net to give Milan a 4-1 lead before the break.
In the second half Milan once again started strong with Pato, Kaka and Ronaldinho cutting through the defense. It wasn’t long until Milan increased the lead with a strong strike from Kaka just outside the box. The strike made sure that Milan walked away with the three points.
Milan now have a break and when they return on the 11th of January to face AS Roma they will have David Beckham in the squad.