GdS: Milan improved in several key areas compared to 2020-21 – the data

Every time AC Milan seem to have taken a back seat in the race for the title, they come back fighting and swinging while they continue to match some impressive feats.

La Gazzetta dello Sport recalls how the Rossoneri have 55 points on the board after 25 rounds of the current season, and the last time they had more than that was in the 2003-04 Scudetto winning team when Carlo Ancelotti’s side already had 64 points.

After 25 games of the 2020-21 season, the Rossoneri had 53 points, but Conte’s Inter had already run away with 59. This season the Nerazzurri have one game less played and are one point behind, so with a win against Bologna in the make-up game they would go to +2.

Among the individuals, Sandro Tonali deserves a mention because at the same stage last season he had around 600 minutes less than in the current season in Serie A. He has created twice as many scoring chances (26 to 12), won more tackles (69% to 65%), scored two goals and recovered more balls (117 to 80).

Then there is Rafael Leao, who last year was divided between playing as a striker and as a winger with mixed results. This season after 25 games he has been fouled more (30 to 16), has created more chances (27 to 17) and above all completed more dribbles (58 to 33).

Looking at collective data after 25 rounds, Milan have pretty much remained the same, even if some statistics show improvements such as the average line rising from 50.6 metres to 52.1 now (implying the team play on the front foot more).

The Diavolo had an average of 654 touches in 2020-21 against 674 in 2021-22, while they have hit the woodwork 10 times this season compared to 16 last season implying a more clinical approach in front of goal.

Among other things Milan have also scored two more goals (48 to 50) and the number of balls recovered and those intercepted are slightly higher than last year.

READ MORE: An Olympic promise to San Siro jeers – Kessie’s Milan adventure destined to end sourly