Can Alex Help Milan Return to the Champions League

The signing of former PSG and Chelsea defender Alex by Filippo Inzaghi's AC Milan this summer slipped somewhat under the radar. Alongside Michael Agazzi, Adil Rami and Jeremy Menez, though, the experienced defender is one of four summer arrivals at the San Siro.Under the management of both Massimiliano Allegri and Clarence Seedorf last campaign, the Rossoneri limped to a disappointing eighth-place finish that sees them outside of European competition this time around.For a club with the tradition and recent history of success that Milan boast, it is a point of major dissatisfaction.The question is, then, whether the new arrivals will do much to change the club's fortunes and, given evidence thus far in pre-season, the only answer can be no. The club have sunk to convincing defeats against Manchester City and, more worryingly, Olympiakos, suggesting there is much work to be done.In Alex, though, they have at least one player who can make a real difference and, indeed, it was only the arrival of 50 million defender David Luiz that saw his time in Paris come to an end.Against Manchester City, in spite of the magnitude of the 5-1 defeat, Alex came out of the clash with his reputation enhancedwhich is no mean feat. A goal was his outstanding contribution, but it was simply a reflection of his continued prowess in aerial battles.While he has never been particularly fashionable, his rugged approach to defending has seen Alex enjoy success across Europe, and there is no reason why he should not continue to be a favourite of Inzaghi in Milan.Indeed, on paper, his partnership with Rami should provide a major improvement upon the defensive options with which the club started last season. However, there are major issues that need resolving.While the likes of Menez and Keisuke Honda are talented, with Stephan El Shaarawy and Mario Balotelli potentially excellent forward options, none have performed to their full potential in some time.In midfield, meanwhile, Sulley Muntari, Nigel de Jong and Riccardo Montolivo are well below the level of player that Milan have traditionally boasted. For all that Alex can add to the squad, there are significant weaknesses across the board.The difficulty Inzaghi will face for the season ahead is that Serie Awhile lagging behind its major rivalswould appear to be stronger than it has been over recent years. Roma, Juventus and Napoli look to be improving upon their squads of last season, while city rivals Inter are in the midst of an extensive and far-reaching overhaul.Of all the major sides in Italy, Milan's recruitment strategy appears the least effective. As good a buy as Alex may turn out to be, he is one of a group of arrivals that does little to inspiremade worse by the side's terrible pre-season thus far.Inzaghi has a major task on his hands to get Milan to a Europa League place, yet alone a Champions League berth.Alex's addition is a step in the right direction, but it must be the first of several such deals if the Rossoneri are to return to Europe's elite.Read more World Football news on BleacherReport.com
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