Player Ratings: Lazio 2-2 AC Milan – Emerson disaster; subs life-saving

AC Milan failed to clinch their first win of the season but managed to come back from behind to at least secure a point against Lazio. A few players impressed, while others should have done better, and below are the ratings for the Rossoneri. 

If you haven’t already, make sure to check out how we decide the player ratings. From the scale to what affects the rating, we have compiled everything there.

Starting XI

Maignan (6): He couldn’t go anything about the goals, left completely alone by the defenders once again, and he had a couple of good interventions. He also had a good stop towards the end from close range, but he could have been a bit better with his feet.

Emerson Royal (4.5): Added absolutely nothing when going forward, and we truly mean nothing, while he was caught off guard on both goals. Especially the second as it was awful defending, instantly making things difficult for his teammates.

Tomori (5.5): He got caught out on a few occasions and while there were good moments from him tonight, we also would have liked to see a lot more leadership since he was the captain. When Milan was at their worst build-up-wise, he should have upped the tempo and directed his teammates.

Pavlovic (6.5): This is a very tough one, because the Serbian did really well to open the scoring and made several good interceptions throughout the game. However, the defending on both goals conceded was not good enough, especially on the second one as he completely lost the battle against Dia. Still, the rating here shows how much good he did (and the issues with the goals were also collective).

Terracciano (6): He did just about enough to get a pass here, i.e. a 6, given that he worked hard and actually had some good moments in defence as opposed to the pre-season. Then again, he also had some questionable moments.

Fofana (5): The Frenchman wasn’t good enough with his passing and took some strange risks, or rather showcased poor decision-making, on a few occasions. It probably has a lot to do with match fitness, but he can do a lot better.

Reijnders (5): Milan’s build-up was incredibly static and they would have needed the trademark runs/dribbles of Reijnders. We didn’t see this, though, and he failed dribbling-wise when he did get forward.

Chukwueze (5): As much as Emerson didn’t defend well, the Nigerian could have tracked back a lot more and was often found way too high in the defensive phase. Furthermore, in attack, the winger didn’t have much success either.

Loftus-Cheek (5): Used his physique nicely on a few occasions, but it didn’t mean much in the end. He didn’t really add anything to the attack aside from some runs which, due to not playing the pass at the right moment, didn’t materialise in anything either.

Pulisic (6): He got the assist for Pavlovic with a nice corner and he combined well especially with Okafor in the first half. However, he faded a bit as the game went on and only in the dying minutes did we see some good runs in between midfield and defence (plus in the centre).

Okafor (6.5): Given how poor Milan’s build-up was – virtually non-existent – the Swiss international did so well to still get hold of the ball and create chances for the Rossoneri. He was behind getting the corner (which led to the first goal) thanks to great skill before playing it to Pulisic. Faded a bit, yes, but had very little to work with.

Substitutes

Hernandez (6): He worked hard in both phases this time out, as seen on the goal, and that was nice to see. We can only hope that he will continue to improve his physical condition.

Musah (6): The American added some energy to the game and looked good in possession, not afraid to take on his man and actually pushing forward which we didn’t see from the other midfielders tonight.

Leao (6.5): It’s a goal that could mean a lot in the long run and, hopefully, it will also boost his confidence after what has been a tough start to the season.

Abraham (6): It was a very nice assist for Leao on the goal and he had another good shot at the very end of the game. Very positive debut from him and he will record some high ratings if he continues on that path.