2 days ago
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Most people would have laughed if you told them that the same AC Milan defence from last season would now be the backbone of a title charge. Yet, this is the case.
Milan have transformed since the summer, but there is very little difference in the defence. In fact, the area has been trimmed, rather than being expanded, so the fact that they are performing to this level is even more impressive.
However, it is very clearly thanks to the work of one man, Massimiliano Allegri.
Allegri’s men together
As MilanNews writes, the squad as a whole has improved since the Italian’s arrival, but it is the defence where his impact can really be seen. Of course, this is where Allegri is best known for, but still, the results are beyond expectations.
After half of the season, the Rossoneri boast one of the best defences in Italy, conceding only 13 goals in 17 games. With this, there is a feeling that the Diavolo have found some balance at the back. Maybe less spectacular, as the report suggests, but more concrete.
Houses are built on strong foundations, and Milan are built on a backbone that struggled together, but can now rely on one another.
With nine clean sheets this season, the proof is certainly in the pudding. Mike Maignan has returned to his previous level, if not surpassed it, as has Fikayo Tomori. Then, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic have cemented themselves as some of the better defenders in the league.
It is a team effort, of course. But for a group who were faced with so much change and criticism last year, Allegri’s impact and trust has given them life again.
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