CM: Maturity and modified role – why the Rabiot and Allegri reunion is working so well

The arrival of Adrien Rabiot has changed AC Milan, and he has become one of the leaders of the team after just a few weeks.

As Calciomercato.com recall, his bust-up with Jon Rowe meant he was shown the door by Marseille. Massimiliano Allegri wanted to reunite with Rabiot, the Milan management satisfied him late in the window, and they have not looked back.

Rabiot has started the three games since arriving: wins over Bologna, Udinese, and Lecce, with seven goals scored and none conceded. All of a sudden, it feels like the Rossoneri have balance in the midfield, which has been lacking for years.

A reunion that works

Rabiot only needed a few appearances for the Rossoneri to win the hearts of the fans. The French midfielder immediately fit into Allegri’s system, confirming the strong understanding that has bound the two since their time at Juventus.

Beyond the personal bond, the new coach considers Rabiot a key piece in his tactical plan, capable of energising the midfield while also raising the technical level of the department. The admission came directly from Rabiot himself in an interview with Mediaset.

“I know the coach well, the entire staff, their way of working, their way of thinking, their mentality. So it was quite easy for me to fit into this group. We have the same relationship, we were in touch even after Juve,” he said.

“He’s someone who is very close to the people, to his players, and so we were in touch even outside. Then it’s true that he called me all summer. We spoke more than once, then when what happened in Marseille happened, he called me back immediately to tell me to come here. But even before that, he wanted me to come here to Milan.”

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

A modified role

Massimiliano Allegri, known for his pragmatism and attention to balance, has slightly modified the tasks. It is Luka Modric who is the ‘metronome’ of the midfield, building from the back and setting the pace, leaving the Frenchman able to focus on what he does best: ball recoveries and attacking runs.

There is also a different system for Rabiot to get used to. In the 3-5-2, he has a role in which he can exploit his ability to win balls and run into space. He is skilled in his technique and vision, capable of providing a different reading than the other midfielder, with characteristics similar to Fofana.

This modified role has also been created to address his shortcomings, with Rabiot having performed inconsistency over his years at Juventus. During his time at Juventus, he showed moments of great quality, but also struggled to adapt to those around him, especially at the start.

At 30, he seems to have arrived in Milan at the best moment of his career, psychologically and physically. This maturity helps Allegri and the squad, but now the challenge of Napoli’s midfield awaits, arguably the strongest in Serie A.