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AC Milan started the year in the best way possible with a narrow, Allegri-esque, away win against Cagliari. Rafael Leao scored the winner, but as highlighted by our player ratings below, a midfield duo played a crucial part.
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out how we decide the player ratings. From the scale to what affects the rating, we have compiled everything there.
Starting XI
Maignan (6): Cagliari only had one shot on target and it was a header straight at the Frenchman, but he did well with his passing and cross collection too. Another clean sheet will give him one more reason to celebrate tonight.
Tomori (6.5): Yes, there were one or two dodgy moments when he mistimed the ball, but his importance in the build-up cannot be overstated. The way he combines with Saelemaekers really helps Milan even in tight situations. Plus, he defended well for most of the game.
De Winter (6.5): Much, much better from the Belgian tonight, finding his position and winning the battles with the Cagliari attackers. He also did well when he was moved to the left, in particular with a shoulder challenge that looked bad but was great, completely putting the attacker off his stride.
Bartesaghi (6.5): He has played at centre-back before, and certainly in a back three, so I sort of expected him to look comfortable. Indeed, he was very calm on the ball and although some of his runs forward from centre-back weren’t always great, he defended very well.
Saelemaekers (7): His outside-of-the-boot pass just before the goal was brilliant, and once again his ability to find space was crucial. Milan often relied on him in the second phase of the build-up and he sometimes moved to the left too. Defensively, he also had some key interventions tonight.
Fofana (6.5): In fairness to him, the pass for Rabiot on the goal (also outside of the boot) was really good and just what Milan needed at that moment. The rest was rather average from him, but that contribution shouldn’t be forgotten.
Modric (7.5): He continued his fine form with a fantastic performance tonight. He was always available, not just in the build-up but also as Milan moved to the final third. It just makes everything so much easier for his teammates. Furthermore, he had some good defensive recoveries. It was between him and Rabiot for the MOTM.
Rabiot (7.5 – MOTM): He just about edged the MOTM race here in my opinion, with another performance that spanned from contributions in attack to tracking back to cover for his teammates in defence. The assist for Leao was the cherry on the cake, but again, it’s the overall picture of what he adds that is so great.
Estupinan (5.5): Before you bash me for being too harsh on certain players, you simply cannot claim that he looked synced tonight. The left side of the defence struggled at the start of the game and it was mainly due to his positioning. The second half was better, sure, but he really didn’t add much to the game at all. For me, it’s not enough when you have such good players around you.
Loftus-Cheek (6): Hard work and good runs, as you would expect from the Englishman, but he wasn’t clinical enough in the final third. He had a couple of shooting opportunities, one with his right foot and one with his head, but failed to hit the target. Then again, he was often involved and helped in that sense.
Leao (7): It looked like he played at 70% of his capacity and given his recent recovery, as well as the relatively early sub, that was probably the case. He would’ve been the easy MOTM if it hadn’t been for the monstrous duo in midfield, seeing as the goal (very good finish) got Milan the win in the end.
Substitutes
Fullkrug (6): He only got about 20 minutes on the pitch, but it was positive stuff from the German. He won several aerial duels and combined well with his new teammates, nearly getting an assist for Pulisic after two good decisions. He could be the target man Milan have been lacking.
Ricci (6): The midfielder knows this type of game very well and did a good job off the bench, making himself available in the build-up while also offering support in and around the final third.
Pulisic (6): Nearly a goal, but the goalkeeper made a good save to deny the American. Perhaps he still lacked a little bit of pace because of the injury, but he did well.
Gabbia (6): Just what you would expect, i.e. solidity at the back to help see out the game and preserve the clean sheet.
The manager
Allegri (6): Considering the many question marks ahead of the game, with several players in subpar condition (including Leao), we cannot be too harsh here. The first half was pretty poor, so we can definitely ask questions, but the win was sealed despite all of the struggles. If the first 45 minutes aren’t better next time out either, though, he must improve.
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