Hernan Crespo refuses to write off Goncalo Ramos at AC Milan but warns striker is ‘not a top player’

Hernan Crespo has urged AC Milan supporters to remain patient with Goncalo Ramos despite the striker’s slow start in Serie A.

The former Milan forward acknowledged Ramos’ impressive work rate and willingness to sacrifice himself for the team but questioned whether the Portuguese striker can live up to expectations following his club-record transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Crespo also stressed that Ramos has never been an elite goalscorer, meaning Milan supporters should not expect him to suddenly become a prolific striker simply because of his hefty price tag.

Ramos struggling to justify €74m price tag

Ramos has endured a difficult beginning to life at Milan, scoring just once in his first five Serie A appearances.

The 25-year-old arrived from PSG in June 2026 in a deal worth €74 million, raising expectations that he would immediately become the focal point of Milan’s attack.

However, his limited goalscoring output has already placed him under pressure, particularly given the size of the investment made by the San Siro club.

Crespo believes the transfer fee has inevitably changed the way Ramos is being judged.

‘You certainly can’t call him a top player’ – Crespo

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Crespo was asked whether Milan had paid too much for a striker whose goalscoring numbers have yet to match his price tag.

The Argentine was careful not to assess the transfer itself, but he offered a blunt assessment of Ramos’ career record.

“I can say that I know Goncalo Ramos, he’s a good player, an excellent centre-forward, and he’ll score goals sooner or later,” Crespo said.

“Of course, given the money spent on his transfer, fans expected a top-class goalscorer, but the Portuguese has never been an infallible marksman. Look at his career statistics, and you’ll find all the answers you’re looking for.”

Crespo then pointed to Ramos’ record at PSG.

“In his last three seasons at PSG, Ramos scored 53 goals in 131 appearances. That means he doesn’t have an extraordinary average: not even a goal every two games,” he explained.

The former Argentina international also noted that Ramos was not always a regular starter under Luis Enrique during PSG’s successful European campaigns.

“An excellent player, agreed, but you certainly can’t call him a top player,” Crespo concluded.

Crespo praises Ramos’ work rate

Despite his criticism, Crespo made it clear that he is not dismissing Ramos as a player.

The Atlas head coach highlighted the amount of work the striker does away from the ball, particularly his pressing, movement and ability to create space for team-mates.

“Look, Ramos works his socks off on the pitch and always puts himself at the team’s service. That’s no small thing,” Crespo said.

He added that Ramos’ style is not solely based on scoring goals.

“The truth is that the Portuguese has a very particular playing style; he likes to link up with teammates, drops deep and creates space for others’ runs,” he explained.

“These are important details that shouldn’t be underestimated when judging a player.”

According to Crespo, Ramos can still make a significant contribution even when he is not finding the net regularly.

‘I’m not writing him off’

Crespo acknowledged that goals will ultimately remain the most important measure for a centre-forward, particularly one who cost Milan €74m.

However, he believes Ramos’ defensive work and selfless movement should also be considered.

“It’s true that goals are expected from a centre-forward, he was born for that, and he’s paid for that mission, but you can still be useful to the cause without scoring,” Crespo said.

He pointed to assists, intelligent movement and constant pressing as ways Ramos can influence matches.

And with Ramos reportedly covering more ground than any other Milan player, Crespo believes there are already positives to build on.

“And that’s an admirable quality, one that should make fans happy. He doesn’t shy away, he fights, he battles with defenders, he ‘busts a gut’ chasing the ball,” he said.

“In short, for now, I’m not writing him off. Of course, if you then look at how much he cost, then you’re entering a minefield.”

Ramos therefore has plenty to prove at Milan, but Crespo’s assessment suggests his slow start should not be judged solely by his goals tally.