During the course of 2024, there have been several questions asked about Mike Maignan, and whether the goalkeeper is still at the same level he once was. Now, those questions have been silenced, with the Frenchman back to his best for AC Milan.
Maignan has certainly had an interesting year so far. During last season, questions were asked about his qualities, with some believing that he was not at the level that he once was. With Milan conceding 49 goals last season – more than any other top-half team in Serie A – the questions were understandable.
It was then suggested that the Frenchman could be sacrificed in the summer, with the funds being reinvested across the rest of the team. Of course, this has not happened, though, and the goalkeeper is close to signing a new contract.
But how did Maignan return to his best?
Well, Gazzetta dello Sport has the answer. Against Leverkusen, he made several saves and was given the MoTM in our ratings, and whilst he conceded, it was not due to an error of his. Additionally, throughout the game, he was pivotal to the build-up play from the back, giving extra trust in the defensive line, in and out of possession.
Maignan admitted last season that he ‘struggled’ to stay focused on what he was good at, instead looking at the negatives too often. However, he feels he has learnt from this, admitting that he must reflect more on the good things, and focus on the aftermath of mistakes, rather than the mistake itself.
Finally, when the goalkeeper returned to Milan after his holiday, he began engaging in MMA to keep himself in shape. It has had additional benefits, though. As the report suggests, Maignan’s improved reflexes are visible, and they have been pivotal in some games already – such as against Inter.
After a ‘little bit of magic’, Mike Maignan – magic Mike – has returned.