Player Ratings: AC Milan 4-1 Cagliari – Giroud shows his class and Tonali shines

By Isak Möller -

It was a perfectly executed game by AC Milan this evening as they managed to beat Cagliari by four goals to one. Olivier Giroud was the big hero with a brace but there were several standouts for the Rossoneri. 

Starting XI

Maignan (6.5): He couldn’t do much about the goal, despite getting a hand to it, and he wasn’t called into action that much. Good performance from the Frenchman, though, both passing-wise and generally.

Calabria (7): He was the captain once again and he did what was required on the right-hand side of the defence. He’s always on the move and added a lot to the Rossoneri’s attack, as we have become used to.

Kjaer (7): You can’t have too many complaints about the Dane’s performance. He was secure at the back and also made several blocks to keep Cagliari from scoring any more goals. He was also, as always, important in the build-up.

Tomori (7): Just like his colleague at the back, it was a good performance as he played to his strength. His pace certainly allows Hernandez to burst forward more, with the former Chelsea man covering for him.

Hernandez (7.5): It was a vintage Theo performance as he not only did well in defence, but also was pivotal for Milan when going forward. Cagliari struggled with him all game and the Frenchman enjoyed this advantage.

Tonali (8): The youngster scored his first goal for Milan this evening with a lovely free-kick. In addition, he led the Rossoneri from the back with his passing. Barely put a foot wrong and looked a lot more confident tonight.

Krunic (7): Yet again, the Bosnian impressed in the midfield tandem as he took care of the dirty work, winning the ball back with his physique. His passing was also very good, albeit simple, but just what Milan needed.

Saelemaekers (6.5): He had good intentions but it would have been good to see a bit more from him attacking-wise, especially since he didn’t have to track back as much this game. It was still a good display, but he can do more.

Diaz (8): It’s becoming very clear that Milan won’t miss Calhanoglu that much this season. Brahim is a different player and perhaps for the better, as his movement on and off the ball adds so much for the team. Got one assist this evening.

Leao (7): It was an electric display from the Portuguese international. He was given a goal (although Diaz’ touch did it all) and he put the Cagliari defence in a lot of trouble throughout the game. He did, however, make a few bad decisions (hence the rating).

Giroud (8.5 – MOTM): As expected, the Frenchman got off to a very good start at San Siro with a nice brace. He showed his composure in open play as well as from the spot, and he even came close to getting a third. Very good from our No.9.

Substitutes

Rebic (6.5): The Croatian almost got on the scoresheet with a nice finish, following an exchange with Giroud on the edge of the box.

Bennacer (6.5): Nothing spectacular but certainly not bad either. What you would expect from him off the bench.

Florenzi (6.5): Was everywhere on the right flank and used his experience to keep the ball in Milan’s possession a few times.

Maldini (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.

Castillejo (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.

READ MORE – Watch: Special moment at full-time as Milan salute their fans after crushing win

Tags AC Milan AC Milan Player Ratings Brahim Diaz Olivier Giroud Sandro Tonali

21 Comments

  1. Impressive win, Brahim is another level this season…I don’t think I’ve ever seen Hakan do what he does. This victory feels good. Well done boys! Forza Milan!

  2. Where are all the moaners now? Ok it’s just 1 game and it’s against Cagliari, but if you’re here ro complain about every decision the coach makes or every step Krunic takes, you should have the balls to admit this was a good performance. We’re going to need every player this season if we want to win something so supporters should support their team instead of just turning up to complain when they can.

    1. They’ll only come out when things didn’t go well… now they have their tails between their legs and won’t come out from their hidden….
      What a performance tonight… keep it up guys… forza Milan 💪💪

    2. If ELLIOT wasn’t so cheap and had kept HAUGE and fired that idiot Pioli, we’d be favorites for the Champions League right now. Not sure why they didn’t try to sign Messi. Maldini and Massara don’t have a clue.😉

      1. Hello, Vero Rossonero, i don’t know if you have personal problem with Pioli, but as a fan of Milan,we do not hate speech to every member of Milan, if you like another coach, support another club, and if you still cant move on from Hauge, support Eintracht Frft,,

        1. Hate speech? Hahahaha. Please put that trash where it belongs buddy, the garbage. Let the man have an opinion regardless if you agree or disagree. Pathetic. What a terrible generation we are in now, so soft

          1. Did you guys not see the winking emoji?
            Lost in translation I guess. I’m totally kidding and making fun of the haters. I’m very happy with the team, the summer market, and how the season is going so far.

      2. Messi was never going join this Milan and his salary is probably equal to the whole team salary right now. He left for more money, not less. He didn’t even stay at Barcelona at take a pay cut even though it was his home since he was a child, why would he take a pay cut to join Milan?

      3. You definitely high…. firing and then bringing a new coach creates uncertainty… then you have to listen to the coach and bring players of his intentions… what Pioli is doinf is playing with a crop of growing players, who will put some bad performances due to their immature decisions. Still all credit goes to the coach and players for binding and moving the way they are. There are going to be some bad defeats, and Milan might not go to the knock outs of Champions League, but still they have to keep fighting knowing few good seasons in the league and glory will come for sure…

  3. Man of the Match Pioli. He has done his job very well. The team clearly has improved this season and always looks ready and alive.

  4. I wonder too….. Krunic is actually playing well at the moment. Let’s support him and the team to do even better. All he needs is encouragement and support to see the real Krunic that played at Empoli. All the players had a great game. Though Giroud needs to hold the ball more. He misplaced too many passes…. He can do better. Forza Milan!❤️🖤

    1. to be fair, everytime krunic pass a ball ill get a headache. he nowdays just like gattuso, he won the ball well, but in buildup his passings are often dangerous, and usually broken down.

      if u look at extended second half, LOTS of enemy attack comes from krunic pass, where he puts ball into super weird situation where receiver cant redistribute ball.

      he did improved alot in defending, but his distribution is super bad

  5. Solid win. Great game from all. But let’s temper expectations we only beat Cagliari. After the break will be true test – Lazio, Liverpool and Juventus. That’s when we will know what kind of team we have. Hope we sign Fairve as we need a RW who can break the lines and can score. a love Salesmakers but he’s a backup – perfect to throw in last 20min to protect a lead and provide defensive cover. Hope this is the year Leao finally puts it’s all together, so far excellent start to season. Krunic was fine today but ya we better not be in a position to rely on him playing lots of minutes especially at DM. Grabbing Yacine Adil would be icing on cake to back up Diaz and backup DM. Tonali looks completely different as well, much more confident and poised. Excellent display. Solid 2 games. Need to resolve a Kessie and Romagnoli situation but I’m afraid we’ve run out of time…

  6. Both Tonali and Brahim look so much more confident on what they do, they look like different players on the pitch, i am really glad that both stepped up as first team options after Calhanoglu’s departure and Bennacer fall in form.

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