Sandro Tonali played from the first minute against Bologna yesterday and did relatively well in the midfield tandem with Franck Kessie. However, he was criticised by most outlets, receiving low ratings for his display.
As highlighted by @_Marco94 on Twitter though, capturing one of many occasions, the young midfielder was very important for Milan in the defensive phase. He might not have been amazing in the attacking phase, but still solid.
In the photos below, we can see that Tonali often helped cover the centre-back positions while also making smart runs when Bologna countered. His defensive display, therefore, was simply overlooked by the critics.
Tonali
Quando si giudica un giocatore si valuta anche la fase di non possesso, la maniera in cui si muove, legge il gioco ed aiuta i compagni.
Tomori esce aggressivo rompendo la linea e formando un buco pericoloso che Tonali va ad occupare bloccando il pericolo sul nascere. pic.twitter.com/Sdhmn8X4Kd— _marco94 (@RealMarco94) January 31, 2021
Ci sono situazioni che non vengono notate, azione in cui il Milan sbaglia la pressione ed il Bologna riparte bene, Tonali copre la zona di Calabria in maniera intelligente, Romagnoli da indicazioni a Tomori che esce con in giusto timing intercettando il passaggio filtrante. pic.twitter.com/G3heMWMgBP
— _marco94 (@RealMarco94) January 31, 2021
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