Ex-Milan goalkeeper has been told Maignan has ‘a Milan mentality’

Former AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati has been told Mike Maignan has got a ‘Milan mentality’, a report claims.

Speaking during an interview with Sportweek (via Milan News), Abbiati showed how impressed he has been with the French goalkeeper this season despite having previously never seen him play.

“I’ll be honest, I had never seen him play. When he arrived I went to browse on YouTube but afterwards I saw him live against Juve and in the return derby,” he said.

Milan signed Maignan from Lille just after they had won the French title. He was brought in as a replacement for Gianluigi Donnarumma who moved to Paris Saint Germain.

Talking about Maignan’s character, Abbiati said that another former Milan goalkeeper paid him the ultimate compliment.

“At 26, however, he still has room for improvement. Perfect for Pioli’s Milan. Dida and Ragno told me that he likes to work hard, he has a Milan mentality,” the former goalkeeper said.

It is widely believed that Maignan has been the best goalkeeper in Serie A this season. Abbiati feels that he has a great relationship with the defenders and shows personality on the pitch.

“I really like his confidence and personality that he shows not only between the posts but throughout the penalty area. He participates in the team game, rarely throws the ball away and moves in harmony with the defenders,” Abbiati said.

Speaking in a more technical sense, Abbiati is impressed by Maignan’s agility and reflexes, saying: “I am impressed by his great agility. His reflexes too, he has very short reaction times, as well as his muscular elasticity, which allows him to always have a good position.”

Maignan will be aiming for a clean sheet against Atalanta on Sunday evening.