Yacine Adli seemed destined to depart AC Milan in the summer, but now he is almost certain to start one of the biggest games of the season tomorrow night against Juventus.
Calciomercato.com recall that Stefano Pioli’s eyes lit up when he was asked about Adli’s impact during his pre-match press conference today, as he said: “Yacine is an artist, even off the pitch.”
With his hard work Adli convinced the coach to give him great trust, and he also showed a willingness to adapt and change his position in order to get more opportunities than he had last season.
The Franco-Algerian has gone from being a real mystery to an added starter, something which has also been helped by Rade Krunic’s absence due to injury.
The two are very good friends and the Bosnian will be the first to celebrate his growth, but he will also be aware that he has a battle on to nail down a starting spot. That is something which is ideal for Milan, because competition brings out the best.
Krunic will be available to Pioli for the match against Juve, which is certainly important news also in view of the Champions League away match against PSG, but the coach will start Adli in that role.
“He must take fewer risks when he plays the ball, continuing to do what he is doing in training,” Pioli said.
“He is a player who has a present and a future, he wanted to stay and he deserves what he is getting I’m sure he has ample room for space, especially in this new position. He can have a great future.”
Adli is an intelligent player who regularly speaks with Pioli about his development, constantly learning more about what is expected of him, and that will serve him well in the weeks and months to come.