(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Maldini2008.JPG/250px-Maldini2008.JPG)
Former Italian national team captain, Paolo Maldini, says the hierarchy at AC Milan is to blame for scouting a player of Taye Taiwo's calibre for the team.
Nigerian international, Taiwo, has failed to live up to billings in the colour of AC Milan and he is contemplating a loan move.
However, Maldini, who was AC Milan captain, says the Nigerian should not have been signed on by the team in the first place.
''It says a lot when a player is a Nigerian, they are very talented and technical,'' Maldini told Il Corriere dello Sport when reminiscing on the encounter he had with Super Eagles at USA '94 World Cup when the Nigerian team almost sent Italy packing at the second round.
''He was also wanted by Real Madrid, so we thought we were landing the man we need. But I don't think Taiwo was watched over and over again. Milan did not do their homework well on him, he is not a worthy successor to me. He should have been better evaluated before taking him.''
Maldini who spent 24 years at San Siro, playing 647 appearances, charged AC Milan to cast its net wider for a suitable left back .
"Most left-backs now are converted midfielders, much more likely to attack."
"The rule is: if you cannot get back, you must not go forward. The current best specialist is Marcelo, who gets it right in both areas.
Maldini retired two years ago and since then, AC Milan has yet to find a suitable replacement for him at the left back position.
Tribune