Third-tier US Pergolettese would not have been the opposition AC Milan had in mind when they paid £30 million to bring Charles de Ketealere to the San Siro last week.
But while it’s obviously premature to suggest that the former Club Brugge talisman has already begun paying back his hefty price-tag, this certainly felt like an exciting sign of things to come.
One game, three goals; De Ketelaere could hardly have wished to make a better first impression on his full Milan debut, albeit in a pre-season friendly against a side who finished tenth in Italy’s Serie C last season.
The Belgium international opened his account with the most ruthless of penalties, before doubling the lead with his trusty left foot. Then came a bullet header from a corner; De Ketelaere putting his 6ft 4ins frame to very good use.
The 21-year-old has often been likened to Rote Duivels team-mate Kevin de Bruyne. But Kai Havertz feels like a more accurate comparison. Elegant and ethereal yes, but do not assume his rather languid, laid-back style means he’s not afraid to stick his head in where it hurts.
De Ketelaere scores hat-trick on first AC Milan start
And while there is only so much you can read into pre-season friendlies, the fact that Milan boss Stefano Pioli opted to pick De Ketelaere as a centre-forward – rather than out wide or as a string-pulling number ten – appeared to answer the question on the lips of many Rossoneri supporters; ‘Where would De Ketelaere play’?
Leeds United, say The Athletic, would have used him as a ‘false nine’ if he’d chosen Elland Road instead. But, on this weekend’s evidence, there is no reason why De Ketelaere cannot play as a real number nine rather than merely a ‘false’ one; All bullet headers, poacher’s finishes and instinctive movement.
“(Leeds’ interest) was very concrete. They absolutely wanted him,” De Ketelaere’s representatives explained last week. “Leeds were offering 40 million euros (£34m).
“He would play there every week, and Jesse March is a top-notch manager. To understand if Leeds was the right step, he wanted to make a comparison. We phoned Milan (and said); ‘If you really want him, you have to insist now. And push hard’.
“(Director Paolo) Maldini then called him. Charles had a good conversation with Pioli too and was completely convinced.”
After a hat-trick on his full AC Milan debut, De Ketelaere won’t be the only one ‘completely convinced’ that he’s made the right move.
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