One player who has had a real resurgence since the start of 2020 is Hakan Calhanoglu, and the numbers perfectly illustrate it.
As MilanNews reports, the numbers don’t always say everything when looking at how a player has fared, but in some cases they tell the whole story.
In the case of Calhanoglu, it seems as though it is since Stefano Pioli arrived on the Rossoneri’s bench that he began to finally get continuity in his favoured role, and that faith has been very much repaid.
Numbers before Pioli
Calhanoglu was a starter for practically all the coaches who have coached him at Milan. With Gattuso, Montella and Giampaolo he played a number of different positions from attacking midfield to central midfield to winger.
Under that trio he amassed a total of 101 appearances, with 13 goals and 27 assists. Good numbers, but certainly not exciting nor what Milan paid for. In effect, he contributed a goal every 8 games and an assist every 4.
Numbers with Pioli
Since Giampaolo’s farewell, everything has changed, with a further boost in performance from the end of the lockdown onwards. With Stefano Pioli on the bench, Calhanoglu has collected 52 appearances with 16 goals and 18 assists.
That equated to on average just under a goal scored every 3 games played and a just over one assist every 3 games. An evident growth certified by the numbers. Not only that, but his importance and overall contribution to the team has grown too.
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