Youssouf Fofana started the season as Massimiliano Allegri’s chosen third midfielder, and the hope is that a late-season resurgence is coming.
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The derby victory against Inter has brought renewed enthusiasm surrounding Milan. Top spot is now just seven points away, so the gap remains challenging, but a comeback isn’t impossible, especially in a league that often accustoms us to paradoxical upheavals.
In this key phase of the season, Allegri hopes to have all players in peak condition, and among them is Fofana. This morning’s edition of Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews) has taken a look at his rollercoaster 20 months at the club so far.
Allegri’s muscle man
The midfielder’s first two seasons at San Siro have been largely positive. Fofana is Milan’s top passer over the past two seasons with 13 assists in 78 games. This is tied with Leao, who has achieved the same number of assists in 73 appearances, two fewer than Christian Pulisic (third with 12 assists).
The other two in the top five are further behind and, in any case, no longer even at the club. Theo Hernandez is fourth with six assists in 49 appearances, and Tammy Abraham is fifth with six assists in 44 games.
The goal from Pervis Estupiñan in the derby, a well-executed left-footed shot, is only the most recent helping hand from the Frenchman. It follows the one for Christopher Nkunku that was decisive in Milan’s draw in Florence in January.
Last year, he provided a memorable pass for Tijjani Reijnders in Verona and one for Leao in Cagliari. Allegri would like Fofana to add goals to his assists. So far this season, he has one against Udinese in September, but his work will never be limited to just the numbers of goal contributions.
Off the ball Fofana offers a lot too, and with consistency he could truly be the motor of Milan’s midfield. Allegri hopes to have him at his best, because to pull off a sensational comeback, all his players will need to be at their peak.