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This morning, AC Milan faced Virtus Entella in a game to raise fitness levels. However, some performances deserve a little more scrutiny.
Despite it being a game to test certain players, Milan will have wanted to win, and if Massimiliano Allegri were frustrated about the defeat, it would not really be a surprise, given how his side navigated some moments of the game.
Tops
The big positive of the game was Ardon Jashari and his performance. Operating at the base of a three-man midfield, it seems that Allegri will be using him as a direct understudy for Luka Modric moving forward.
Of course, the level of opposition was lower. Yet, Jashari did not look like a player who had been sidelined for nearly three months. Instead, he looked raring to go, and was present across the pitch. A few nice moments from him show that he is ready when needed.
Playing for 90 minutes, the game probably went as Allegri had hoped concerning the young midfielder. A job well done.
Christian Pulisic could be put here. However, whilst he scored the opener, he also missed a few chances. Instead, then, the focus goes to Chaka Traore, who had a really impressive cameo.
Allegri brought the young winger on in the 45th minute, and he instantly looked a threat. Energetic, dynamic, and raw, Traore was the main outlet for the Rossoneri in the second half, and this showed with the goal.
He burst down the wing and then delivered a nice ball to the back post.
Given that he has previously been included in the first team, it will be interesting to see if Massimiliano Allegri wants to carve out a role for him as an option. After today’s cameo, he could certainly be an impact player.
Flops
There were two clear performances for the flops, and unfortunately, they were both senior players.
It’s best to start with Youssouf Fofana, who is really not having a strong season so far. The Frenchman has had moments, of course. However, for the most part, he has not been brilliant, and that continued today.
Directly responsible for Entella’s first goal, he was sloppy on the edge of the box, and the chance would have been scored by anyone. It did not matter that the opposition were 14th in Serie B; most would be grateful for such an opportunity.
In those instances, many would hope for a reaction, but one did not arrive. Instead, he just moved through the game, not really having an impact. His time as a starter may be limited moving forward. These performances only continue to happen.
Then, Pervis Estupinan’s game was not brilliant. Last weekend, he was in focus, thanks to his mistake, which allowed a goal for Parma. Now, whilst it was not to the same extreme, in this game, he still was not great.
Again, he took a bit too long on the ball, and his choices were not up to the standard required. Unfortunately, against Serie A opposition, he would be made to pay for a few of these errors.
Davide Bartesaghi may have gained another advantage in the contest between the two of them, and he was not involved. Estupinan, unfortunately, is also heading in the same direction as Fofana may be, with others giving more.
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