Player Ratings: AC Milan 1-0 Brescia – Chances created but Hakan decisive

By Anthony Torgrude -

Milan bounced back from their disappointing season opener by getting all three points in their home debut this season.

STARTING XI

Donnarumma (7): Brescia put a lot more pressure on the keeper than anticipated but Gigio came up big every time it counted, making multiple great saves, including one that required him to change directions mid-way and this very well could have been the reason Milan did not draw.

Calabria (6): Davide at times losses focus and his position suffers because of it. The young full back made mistakes today but likely nothing was punished and he was able to adapt to the situations, even if created by his own mishandling.

Musacchio (6): A typical performance from Matteo. Nothing special to report but very few things to criticize. Musacchio is still a weak link in the defense but today he deserves little hate.

Romagnoli (6.5): Milan’s captain has always been a rock in the back and today was no different. Sometimes rating Alessio is difficult because his average is better than most. Today he was critical, but not crucial.

Ricardo Rodriguez (5.5): It seemed as if everything right that Ricardo did today was by mistake and everything wrong he did today was by design. Milan are lucky to have avoided any costly mistakes but it wsn’t for a lack of trying. Rodriguez was poor and makes the wait for Theo’s return that much more difficult.

Kessie (6.5): The Ivorian was missed during preseason and the season opener. Having him return in midfield reminded everyone just how massive the player is. His piercing runs down the middle and strength on the ball created a plethora of chances. His shooting, however, has let him down once again.

Bennacer (7) MOTM: It has been a long time since Milan has had a central defensive midfielder with this level of confidence and comfort on the ball. As Biglia continues his downturn, it is reassuring to know his heir is more than ready to command the pitch.

Calhanoglu (6.5): Hakan was the lone goal scorer in the match, and had opportunities throughout the game. His creativity is unheralded and given time to fully adapt to whatever system Giampaolo settles with, one has to wonder, could this be his season?

Suso (7): Suso was my original Man of the Man, he created the goal as well as opportunities for countless more. He came very close to putting away a second, after Paqueta hit the post, but his rebound was horrendous at best. Do not let that take away from his overall game today, which was captivating. This is the Suso fans expect.

Castillejo: (5): Giampaolo seems dead set on finding Samu a spot in the starting eleven but ultimately he just isn’t good enough. He does not have the strength to get around the final line of defense, and playing further back now only exposes his physical weakness more.

Andre Silva (6): He played better than most, myself included, expected him to. As a back up player who is most likely out the door, Andre impressed with his movement and positioning. His passing was lackluster and his finishing seems rusty.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Piatek (6): Piatek came on for the final third and started off poorly. Once he found his groove, however, you could see the cogs turning and Piatek turned on. He was denied by an incredible save and then minutes later thought he scored but the ball was centimeters from going over the line. Being bench may have lit the fire he needed.

Paqueta (6): The flashy Brazilian played the game we expect from him. Giampaolo seems keen on keeping him in the mid three, instead of off the striker but that did not stop him from getting forward and hitting the post.

Borini (NA): Borini only played nine minutes.

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