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AC Milan secured what was a statement win against Udinese on Saturday evening, finding the back of the net three times. Given the positive display, there were a lot of good things we learned from the game.
Massimiliano Allegri didn’t make many changes to the starting XI for this one, relying on the usual starters while putting Christian Pulisic back in from the first minute. An expected move that paid off big time, as the American got two goals and one assist.
However, while the scoreline was certainly positive, it was the performance that impressed the most as Milan dominated Udinese at times. Towards the end, the Rossoneri almost toyed with their opponents as they played the ball around.
Below are five things learned from the game, with everything from defensive solidity to individual brilliance.
1. Pulisic back with a bang
The American hasn’t been a regular starter so far this season due to various reasons, but he was back from the first minute against Udinese. And what better way to get back into things than to score a brace and bag an assist?
On top of that, he was constantly looking for the ball and combined well with his teammates. We also saw the American opt for a more direct style of football as he wasn’t afraid to take on his man, succeeding as well (which was sometimes the missing part last season).
This display will most likely mean that Allegri won’t drop him out of the lineup, and Gimenez’s seat is looking really hot right now, especially when Leao returns.
2. Defensive brilliance, again
With three wins and three clean sheets in a row, we must praise the defence as they’ve done a stellar job following the Cremonese defeat.
Pavlovic and Tomori were flawless on either side of Gabbia with contributions in both phases of the game. The Englishman looks much calmer this season as the three-man defence seems to be working well for him, whilst Pavlovic continues to improve as he imposes his physique really well and terrorises his opponents with those runs forward.
Allegri has said many times before that everything starts with the defence and having seen the last few games, we couldn’t agree more.
3. Midfield dominance
The midfield also played a huge part in the clean sheet as against Udinese, the likes of Fofana, Modric and Rabiot were all enjoying themselves on the pitch.
Modric controlled the game well and showcased his composure and technique in tight situations, where he managed to keep the ball and retain possession for his side.
Rabiot, on the other hand, was more of a physical presence as he won plenty of aerial duels, though he also added a lot of composure in the middle, allowing Milan to dictate the tempo as they please.
Finally, Fofana also had a very positive game and that had been a long time coming, or at least so it felt. Indeed, he passing was on point and he got a goal to double his side’s lead, so it was a solid display for him to build on.
4. Estupinan has arrived
The Ecuadorian didn’t have the best of starts in red and black as he was shaky in both phases of the game in the first couple of fixtures. However, he has since gradually improved at the back in the last two games.
Against Udinese, he finally managed to impress us in both phases of the game as he really should’ve gotten an assist after a lovely pass to Gimenez, who failed to beat the keeper. The wing-back got a bit lucky on Pulisic’s goal as his cross got deflected before the American buried it, but the movement and the right idea were there.
At the back, he did his job even though Udinese had little to offer and he constantly made himself available, which resulted in an overall great performance.
5. Gimenez’s time is running out
The Mexican has had plenty of chances to prove his worth in the absence of Leao and the lack of fitness of Nkunku, but that time is seemingly running out, with the duo looking to get closer to full fitness.
Sadly, against Udinese, the striker managed to miss a sitter again in the first half after a lovely ball from Estupinan. Then, he ended up not being as involved for the remainder of the game.
At this point, it seems that sitting on the bench might actually help him, as it will get the pressure off his shoulders a bit and allow him to focus on his game more. Given his performances, it seems that the bench is inevitable in the next game or two.
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