MN: Saelemaekers becomes the ‘extra man’ under Allegri – why he is so important

Alexis Saelemaekers is already showing how useful he can be, and seems to be undroppable in the eyes of Massimiliano Allegri.

On the first day of training camp, Saelemaekers told the club’s official channels that he had returned to Milan to stay. Loan spells – first at Bologna and then at Roma – successfully refined the Belgian’s qualities, and he has now become a key player in Allegri’s side.

Undroppable?

As MilanNews write, this is confirmed by the 246 minutes he’s played so far this season, an average of 83 per game. Between the league and the Coppa Italia Milan have only played three games, but something has changed compared to his previous experience with the Rossoneri.

The new coach believes and relies heavily on Saelemaekers, especially on his versatility, to the point that between Bari, Cremonese and Lecce, the Belgian has played two different roles, performing them to the best of his ability.

Photos: AC Milan + Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images

This sense of sacrifice and dedication is so appealing not only to the sports world but also, and especially, to the fans, who this summer sided with the No.56, opposing any possible sales amid links with Juventus and the Premier League.

In the end, the club, the coach and the player were satisfied, with Saelemaekers now simply having to prove he’s re-conquered Milan, where he could reach 200 career Serie A appearances.