1 week ago
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While the current version of AC Milan may see headlines grabbed by Luka Modric and Rafael Leao, Massimiliano Allegri’s work to rejuvenate others must be mentioned.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write this morning, there’s a Milan beyond Modric, Christian Pulisic and Adrien Rabiot, as demonstrated by the victory over Fiorentina. Before that, there was a Milan capable of doing without Leao.
Behind the front line, there are players revitalised by Allegri who have been crucial to allowing the team to storm up the table and regain top spot. If Leao and the other forwards are able to shine, it’s also because behind them a more compact front has formed than ever.
Among the top five most used outfield players are not forwards, but defenders and midfielders. Players less attractive than Rafa, but equally – or arguably more – decisive.
Central block
The top five players in terms of minutes used include the three starting central defenders: Tomori leads with 775 minutes, followed by Pavlovic with 732 minutes (one of them could get a rest vs. Pisa) and Gabbia in third with 720 minutes.
These are three players who were rotated around last year with modest results and are now bricks in an almost impenetrable wall. Milan have conceded four goals in total, one more than Roma, the league’s best defence: two against Cremonese, a penalty against Napoli and the ricochet against Fiorentina.
A rejuvenated Tomori spoke for everyone in an interview with SportMediaset: “For us, it’s a second life; there’s a different atmosphere. It’s early to talk about the Scudetto, but if we win, maybe I’ll go blond… And until the management tells me ‘enough,’ I’m staying here.”
The comparison helps: after seven rounds of last season, Milan had conceded nine goals, more than double. In the seventh round – as in this season – the schedule offered a match against Fiorentina. In Florence last season, Milan lost, conceding twice with Gabbia and Tomori struggling and Pavlovic on the bench for 90 minutes.
The wild card
Saelemaekers is second in minutes played, with 738. Only he and the three defenders have played over seven hundred minutes. It’s with Allegri that Alexis has found his place in the Rossoneri world at last.
Saelemaekers’ career has included loans to Bologna and Roma but Allegri blocked a third departure in the summer, even though Juventus were interested in him and seemingly willing to swap Dusan Vlahovic to get him.
Alexis was and is invaluable for Milan in every match, either as a winger or – as in the last game – as an attacking midfielder. He also supports the midfield: Max appreciates his dedication and versatility. His contract, expiring in 2027, will soon become the subject of negotiations.
Midfield muscle
Fifth in terms of usage (681 minutes of play) is Youssouf Fofana. Between the infinite class of Modric and the quality of Rabiot and Ricci (substitute midfielder), the Frenchman’s midfield muscle is essential for providing coverage and balance.
More than just rejuvenated, Allegri has empowered him: he was Leao’s bodyguard, in charge of protecting the penalty spot against Fiorentina. Rafa shot, scored, and took centre stage, but the credit also goes to Youssouf.
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