Who will be Milan's number one keeper?

[Jager]

1) Kalac

Until displacing Dida in January of last season, Kalac was regarded as something of a joke in Italy. The giant 35-year-old, who signed on a free transfer in 2005, had never played for a big club, and was seen as something of a liability, as exemplified by his horrific error for Australia against Croatia in the 2006 World Cup.

However, ‘Spider’ largely did well in the final five months of last term, and pulled of a contender for save of the season during the 1-0 win over Fiorentina. Kalac will feel that he deserves his chance to start the new season as the No.1, although doubters will point to his failure to stop a harmless Cesc Fabregas long-shot, during the Champions League exit to Arsenal, as proof that he cannot be trusted.

2) Abbiati

The 31-year-old can be compared to England’s David James in that he has the technical and physical skills to be a great goalkeeper, but perhaps does not possess the tactical and mental attributes that are just as vital for this role. Abbiati has never won over Carlo Ancelotti, and has spent most of the coach’s time at the club either as backup to Dida, or out on loan, which he has done for the last three seasons at Juventus, Torino and Atletico Madrid respectively.

At Juve, Abbiati filled in admirably while Gianluigi Buffon was injured, displaying all of his undoubted ability. However, he has not completely inspired confidence with the Granata and Atletico. Nevertheless, many would argue that he is the best of Milan’s three options.

3) Dida

Back in 2000, Dida cost my father thousands of pounds on the football pools when he dropped a harmless 89th minute shot from Leeds United’s Lee Bowyer into his own net, causing Milan to lose the match 1-0. Fast forward five years and Dida cost my father, and myself (as I gave the tip), an even bigger fortune. It was the Champions League final, and having correctly predicted, at ridiculous odds, Paolo Maldini to score the first goal in a Milan win, and with virtually every scoreline covered, it seemed impossible to lose with Liverpool 3-0 down at half time. Dida then produced another blunder from Vladimir Smicer to make it 3-2 and the Merseysiders then came back for a seemingly impossible victory.

On a more positive note, between 2002 and 2004, Dida was, on form alone, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but since being infamously struck by a firework during a 2005 Champions League Milan derby, a month before the Liverpool final, Dida has been a constant liability. Last year he made a long-line of blunders, lost his place to Kalac, and indeed it a surprise to many that he is still at the club. Should he be offered another chance as Milan's No.1? I know what my father would say, and it begins with the letter 'F'.


Which one?

[Buddha14]

Íf i really had to id put Abbiati

[Oliver_Kahn]

Dida is 'dead' apparently, I don't think he is a real option for Ancelotti anymore. Kalac is way too dodgy, so you only have Abbiati. Not that he is all that awesome, but he will do for now.

Signing a GK was IMO much more important for Milan than strengthening any other position.

[Trim]

Abbiati was Milan's goalkeeper in the Tim trophy last night, where Milan, Inter and Juve took part. Milan won the trophy.

Milan-Inter ended 0-0, and they went to penalties. Abbiati made some very good, crucial saves during the match. In the penalty shoot out, he saved three penalties.

Looked quite good to me, I wouldn't be surprised if he will be named the first goalkeeper.

[Poldi]

I read in newspapers that Kalac will be no 1 and he will 100% start this season like no 1 and his beck up will be Abbiati... but I think that Abbiati is much better that Željko.

[D-Kin]

Abbiati is the most talented and consistent of quite an average bunch it must be said. I mean, there's competition for places, but only because they're all nearly as bad as each other.

However, having said that I'm probably being a little harsh on Abbiati as I do like him in a way. He was decent for us when we had him on loan a couple of years ago and he did fairly well at his spell at Torino as well. They should go with the Italian.

[azzurri]

Abbiati is the best of the 3, but that doesn't say very much.

[Dellas]

Kalac is poor...Dida has disappeared so it seems like Abbiati should be the first choice.

[Buddha14]

Did you see what happended last night, i dont think Zeljko will be No.1 after that lol