How Alberto Gilardino Can Help Montreal

Former AC Milan striker, Alberto Gilardino, has been practicing with the Montreal Impact since Tuesday at their Nutrilait Facility.

There's no word if he'll in fact sign with the Impact. However, we do know that he has considered the possibility to end his career in Montreal. Nonetheless, when that time comes, the Italian international can pose to be a threat on the pitch.

It's a known fact that the Impact has a tendency of snagging aging forwards. Matteo Mancosu, Marco Di Vaio, and Didier Drogba are only a few examples of players who have played with Montreal at the tail end of their career.

It seems to be the case that these experiments are a hit and miss situation. The three aforementioned players had the potential to perform well with the Impact. However, when all said and done, some players succeeded, while other players have failed. The acquisitions of Marco Di Vaio and former Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba proved to pay big dividends with immediate effect. On the other hand, Matteo Mancosu has so far, been a failed experiment.

If Mauro Biello were to give Alberto Gilardino a proper look, It's imperative for Biello to put him in the best position possible for Gilardino to succeed.

Gilardino is a suitable offensive piece who has the potential to jumpstart Montreal's attack. The former 2006 World Cup winner has decent control with the ball as well as maintaining the ability play short passes. Gilardino also owns a lethal shot. The Italian striker has dealt with the high's and low's of soccer. His abundance of experience may come in handy when things get tough from now until the end of the season. That being said, those specific attributes can help Mauro Biello's side immensely.

Despite his plentiful of attributes, I wouldn't be inclined to play him on a weekly basis. The 35-year-old forward is an aging player who is obviously past his glory days in AC Milan. Also, he may be rusty considering his lack of playing time with Serie A side, Pescara. We also have to take into account that we may have better options within. Despite his little playing time, Anthony Jackson-Hamel has proved time and time again that he deserves to be in the starting 11 on a weekly basis. If we were to bring in Gilardino, he may take playing time from players who have the capability to be in his position.

Nonetheless, Alberto Gilardino has a knack for goals, which Montreal could desperately use.

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