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It did not take long for Adrien Rabiot to make himself at home at Milan, and he could play a crucial part against Napoli on Sunday.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) reveal, Rabiot found a home in Milan a handful of hours after arriving in the city. At Milanello, he had no trouble settling in and not only because Massimiliano Allegri strongly pushed for his signing.
There are his compatriots such as Mike Maignan, Youssouf Fofana and Christopher Nkunku, as well as those he knows because he faced others during his time with Juventus in Serie A. The fact remains that few players have made such an instant impact like the 30-year-old.
He was a starter against Bologna despite only having trained three times, and also started in Udine and in the Coppa Italia against Lecce. The message is loud and clear: Max has no intention of doing without him, because he is his Mr. Reliable.
The all-rounder
Rabiot has effectively replaced Yunus Musah in the squad, who was sold to Atalanta to make room for him. However, it’s ultimately up to him to ensure that Tijjani Reijnders – who last season often started as a left mezzala in both a 3-5-2 and other systems – is not missed too much.
It’s unlikely he’ll be able to score as well as the Dutchman who joined City (15 goals last season), but in terms of tackling, work rate, making runs into the box and winning duels, the former Juventus and Marseille player is second to none.
It’s important to note that they are two great players with different characteristics. At Milan, the Frenchman has demonstrated how useful he can be in both phases of the game. In his two Serie A matches so far, he’s achieved an 89% pass accuracy rate (a whopping 98% in his own half), with one assist and three shots.
He’s certainly not forgotten about winning the ball back: Rabiot has averaged 7.5 tackles won per game, recovered 3.5 balls, committed 2.5 fouls and made numerous runs to close down the opposition’s space. This is exactly what was needed to complete the lineup and be more effective.
Mentality and experience
Furthermore, Rabiot isn’t a player who does anything in half measures. He knows Serie A very well and has a special connection with Allegri, with whom he continued to be in touch even after his three years with Juventus (he started 119 of the 127 matches he played under Max).
At an event at the Via Dante store last night, Rabiot stated: “I hope it’s a great season, and I’m happy because everyone has welcomed me so well. Milan-Napoli isn’t a Scudetto match because we’re just starting and the season is long.
“We want to show where the team is, but the result won’t tell whether we’ll win the Scudetto or not. We have to keep working. The team, however, has quality, talented young players, and experienced players who can help them grow. The group is united, and I like it.”
A final note on the midfield: “Our midfield is of a very high standard, and I’m happy with what we’re doing so far, but don’t say it’s my doing if we haven’t conceded a single goal in the last three matches. I have this desire to win and never concede, but obviously I’m not the only one.
“I have the feeling that something great is being born because Allegri is good at creating winning teams and involving everyone. Juve after? I was in Turin for five years and it won’t be a match like the others: I wish the Bianconeri the best, but right now I’m only thinking about Milan.”
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