Yacine Adli has found himself as a key part of Stefano Pioli’s plans once again, and he demonstrated his character on Saturday during the win over Udinese.
MilanNews write that the match against Udinese left a bittersweet aftertaste because while the comeback was exhilarating and the three points should be celebrated, the Mike Maignan incident soured things.
Looking at on-field matters first, Adli has become a new resource for a midfield department that is low on numbers currently. His vision, technique and sacrifice make him a worthy replacement for Ismael Bennacer, involved in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Moreover, his pressing, tackling and knack for recovering balls show that he has almost fully adapted to a deeper-lying midfield role, a dedication to the two phases of the game that makes him unique in Pioli’s repertoire.
Adli is much more than what he shows on the pitch though. During the disgraceful scenes seen at the Stadio Friuli, the midfielder was the first player to run after Maignan down the tunnel and comfort him. Then, following suit, were Theo Hernandez and all the others.
Not only that: when Noah Okafor scored the winning goal, sending his team-mates and the fans into ecstasy, everyone went to hug the Swiss forward. Everyone, except Adli.
He ran, again, towards Maignan to support him and share in the celebrations with the goalkeeper, before Alessandro Florenzi – who took the corner – joined them. Adli lives and breathes Milan.
