One Goal Down, 29 to Go for Pato

By: Daryl | January 13th, 2008

Alex Pato debut Alexandre Pato’s much talked about Milan debut is over and done with, and all concerned have to be pretty pleased. The eighteen year old Brazilian scored the last goal in a solid 5-2 win over Napoli at the San Siro, bringing down a long ball and calmly side-footing home. Tears, badge-kissing and much rubbing of the teenager’s head followed. The 74th minute goal capped a lively performance from the youngster, with plenty of simple mistakes and maybe too much dribbling when he could have just held possession. But isn’t that what makes young players so exciting to watch? Pato also had had several shots on goal, as his Milan teammates seemed determined for him to score.

Fellow Brazilians Kaka and Ronaldo (twice) were also on the scoresheet, and the three did enough to suggest a bright attacking triangle of Brazilians is the way forward for AC Milan. And though The Duck is still a long way from the 30 goals Milan have suggested he’d score this spring (they were joking, right?) and only delivered on half of his two goal promise today, if he can continue to live up to even half of his potential then Milan are going to have quite the little superstar on their hands.

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Category: Serie A

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aja

brian, i totally agree. i'd just like to point out that fox soccer channel's digital signal cut out just before pato scored, and returned just after. i only got to see it in the match highlights.
Laurie

Marko, I don't think it was Daryl doing the original criticizing.
MarkoMKD

tell me think you can criticise now?I will look only jelous,dont u think Daryl...chears!!!Forza Milan,i think they know better then you what they are doing.
Football Wonderkids

AC Milan has a wonderkid from Brazil : Alexandre Pato
MarkoMKD

How about them apples goal.com,always talking against AC...well now...keep silent please,thank you
Brian

Pato was a joy to watch today---enough raw talent to match his enthusiasm and seemingly limitless energy. In an odd way, I thought he inspired the rest of the team---he was nervous and trying too hard, but he was trying so hard that he sort of dragged the old guys along behind them and made them play with a little more zeal than they've shown in recent months.

Also really good to see Ronaldo playing so well. With all the attention focused on the potential world superstar making his first start, it was bracing to see an actual world superstar start to get some of his form back.