MN: Multiple moments of madness – Fofana’s position questioned after tough night

Question marks are being asked about Youssouf Fofana’s place in the team after a disastrous night against Roma on Sunday.

As MilanNews recall, the match at San Siro a couple of nights ago almost became the ‘Fofana game’ for all the wrong reasons. The midfielder has become a constant presence in the side under Massimiliano Allegri, but he almost certainly tested his patience.

Early in the second half, Fofana missed a huge opportunity to make it 2-0 when he spurned a brilliant cut-back, firing wide with the goal gaping. In the closing stages, he gave away a dangerous free-kick and then a penalty for handball that risked costing two huge points.

Nearly costly

Beyond the blunder that led to the penalty, the two missed chances are equally serious. One was an assist from Bartesaghi, who brilliantly found the No.19 with a powerful first-time cross, and the second – after the penalty – was thwarted by Svilar.

Allegri emphasised this post-match: “I’ve coached many teams with a centre-forward and many without one, the important thing is to fill the penalty area. Fofana could have scored goals, but he didn’t, and we’ll get there. Even without a center forward, we’ll fill the penalty area somehow.”

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

The coach wanted to see the glass half full: it’s true that the former Monaco man manages to get into dangerous positions well, but then lacks the finishing touch, whether it’s a shot or a pass. He’s also unlucky, because he could have had more assists, like for Rafael Leao in the draw with Pisa.

At the start of the campaign, Allegri said that Fofana and Loftus-Cheek must be able to provide 15 goals combined as a duo, the same number that Tijjani Reijnders got last season. Youssouf runs a lot for the team and helps maintain a certain balance, but is prone to moments of madness.

Instinct suggests that Allegri will continue to rely on the Frenchman, because he latches on to ‘loyalists’ wherever he goes. However, the likes of Ardon Jashari, Samuele Ricci and Ruben Loftus-Cheek – in addition to Adrien Rabiot after his recovery – are knocking on the door.