Andriy Shevchenko believes AC Milan can enjoy a successful season this year, thanks to their decision not to sell Carlos Bacca.
Bacca, 29, scored his first career hat trick in Sunday's 3-2 win over Torino, and he subsequently stated that he has decided to remain with the Rossoneri this season and not listen to reported interest from West Ham United.
His presence is a boost for everybody at the club with Shevchenko convinced he is going to be a hit this season, and help the club realise their objectives.
"It's a huge advantage when you have an attacker in your squad who can decide games by himself," Shevchenko told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "After a few seasons which have not gone so well, there's a lot of rebuilding work to be done and having somebody in your squad who scores goals easily is fundamental for any coach."
Nevertheless, the current coach of the Ukraine national team, who scored 175 goals for Milan, is not getting carried away after just one game of the season.
"Bacca still needs to do more," he added. "He needs to read situations better and improve in how he interacts with the rest of the team. Only that way will he be able to move up a level. He's still a striker I like a lot, and I liked him last season too.
"He's good at attacking the space and he's great inside the area with an eye for goal. He's fast and strong."
The fact Milan have not qualified for Europe for three straight seasons could also help Bacca, who won the Europa League two years in a row with Sevilla before moving to Serie A a year ago.
"It's no longer such a burden to wear the Rossoneri shirt," Shevchenko said. "Once upon a time, you would be joining a club full of champions, fighting to win every title going and maybe that could have been intimidating.
"It's not like that anymore nowadays. Besides, Bacca came from Spain last year having already proven he is a mature player. He just lacks a bit of continuity. He's got the quality and the start to the season has been good with the new coach, but you need continuity if you want to get anywhere in football -- continuity and the ability to help your team."