AC Milan got the job done this afternoon as they managed to beat Spezia by two goals to one. Once again, the substitutions made by Stefano Pioli were crucial for the Rossoneri. Down below are the player ratings.
Starting XI
Maignan (6): He didn’t have tons to do this afternoon but he was also lucky not to concede more, seeing as Spezia missed some very good chances. Good distribution again and a solid performance from Mike.
Kalulu (7): It was a another strong performance from the right-back as he was strong in his duels on his flank. Got a lovely assist for Maldini’s goal with a great cross and impressed again. He was subbed off after 72 minutes.
Tomori (6.5): We all know what to expect from the Englishman these days and he delivered that, more specifically a solid performance with very few mistakes (if any). Nothing spectacular, but job done.
Romagnoli (6): He was almost as solid Tomori this afternoon. Found himself quite high up many times but did well in those situations as well. I have no big complaints about the captain, that’s for sure.
Hernandez (6.5): He did very well in his duels on the left flank and also had some good runs forward (though with no particular outcome). His rating would’ve probably been higher if it wasn’t for the goal, which he didn’t defend that well.
Tonali (6): He did well for most of the game but he was unlucky to steer Verde’s effort past Maignan in goal. It could have cost Milan a lot but perhaps you can’t blame him that much for it. Overall, still, a decent display.
Kessie (6): It was definitely better than some of the displays we have seen this season from the Ivorian. There are still some things he can improve, though, to look the player that amazed us all so much last season.
Saelemaekers (7): He has always been comfortable on the ball but it’s as if he’s stepped it up another notch, always keen on having the ball now. He also drifts into the middle a lot and we saw that on the second goal, which he assisted well.
Maldini (7): It was his first league start for Milan and he got the opener in the second half. He did well to get ahead (and higher) of the defender and steer the header goalwards. The perfect full debut for him.
Rebic (5.5): It didn’t work at all for him this afternoon as he played on the left flank. He was responsible for several poor passes and also looked out of it generally. He was subbed off at HT.
Giroud (5.5): Just like Rebic, it just didn’t work out for him. He had several touches that didn’t end up where he wanted them and a misunderstanding when he dropped down could’ve cost Milan dearly.
Substitutes
Leao (7.5 – MOTM): An electric performance from the Portuguese youngster who changed everything when he came on. Was a huge difference compared to Rebic and he was involved in both goals. He also hit the post with a lovely curler.
Pellegri (6.5): He did well off the bench as he put pressure on the Spezia defenders and also managed to dig out a few chances. Had a hand in the first goal as he helped clear space for Maldini.
Bennacer (7): Another very good performance from the Algerian who isn’t afraid of making the ‘tough’ pass to open up the play. He’s very dynamic and moves all over the pitch, while his passing is often spot on.
Calabria (6.5): Looked more than decent from what we saw and it seems the injury isn’t bugging him anymore.
Diaz (7): He only got a few minutes to show his worth but boy did he succeed. He got the crucial goal with a good effort and saved the day. Wasn’t involved much more due to the time, though, hence the rating.
READ MORE – Spezia 1-2 AC Milan: Daniel Maldini scores but late Brahim goal fires Rossoneri to win
Saelemaekers – apart from the assist – was very poor today, his rating is way off.
Tonali was very good (again) and clearly better than Kessie. He has no responsibility for the deflection.
Kalulu rating far too generous (as always in this site). He has very good potential but he makes big easy and costly mistakes. Too shaky still. It’s unthinkable that he gets better grade compared to Tomori.
You obviously watched the wrong game.
Saelmaekers played well, but was not as spectacular as Leao. And it is now clear that Milan cannot play without Brahim Diaz.
Bennacer, is outstanding. Agile, perfectly time passing, strong in tackle and duel with opponent. Imagine if he and Sandro at their best.
Yes Isma and Sandro, cause Kessie might be leave this winter
Don’t use Kessie against Atletico M, please. Better to go with Krunic instead of unmotivated el Presidente. And we still have Bennacer and Tonali.
Leao alone had more than enough chances to win the game by a 2-goal difference at least, and a MAJOR improvement over Rebic. Speaking of major improvements, Brahim is such an improvement over Hakan’s slow, tedious pace, sooo much more dynamic and inventive. Asides from the assist Saelemaekers’ match was rather inconsequential. Bennacer should bench Kessie at this point and play alongside Tonali on the starting XI
Tonali Bennacer is such an obvious pairing. Kessie sucks this season (then again he’s only been good for 1 season for us… people forget that) and the more skilled this team gets the further behind he’ll fall. Bring Pobega back next season and start grooming more youth products. No need for a big midfield investment with Tonali looking this good and Bennacer finding his form again. Plus once Bakayoko is healthy and Pobega continues to grow Kessie will be out anyways. Bye bye Cashie.
Plus we have Adli coming in so I definitely don’t want another midfield singing when Cashie leaves and Krunic is at least a decent backup when needed. Please don’t waste money here. I’d rather we invest in a top striker next season and a RW to trade time with Saele.
Bennacer is doing well but he has a tendency of trying to move with the ball close to the opponents on our own half n he sometimes loose the ball in our own half. It not safe to play such a player against either Atletico, Porto or Liverpool. This was clear against Liverpool. He needs to stop holding onto the ball in our own half coz he has a tendency of loosing the ball
Kessie is not mentally here any more.But we can still use him to rotate the midfielders to save a few minutes here and there. Maldini will be a useful squad player. He is just 19.Pellegri looked good. I think he is still trying to figure out the movement.
Leao will become one of the world’s most dangerous payers
sorry i just dont see Kalulu 7. He did good in attack but did few mistakes in defense that could cost us. 6 top
By resting several his starting eleven, Pioli has tested his young players succesfully with amazing performance. However, Pioli needs to recover his attacking sector to guarantee more goal in each match. Giroud has’nt returned to his best after covid-19. Ibra is still injury. Messias is still in his personal training. In midfield, Tonali-Kessie-Bennacer also need backup. Bakayoko and Krunic need to return after break to give them rest.
In January, I think Milan need to search another playmaker. Faivre or the Brugge youngster can be brough in. A striker also needs to be added, but it depends on the condition of Ibra and progress of Pellegri. Moreover, if Kessie is still asked 8 million for his renewal, let him go in January. The best condition of Bakayoko and Krunic, and also the early joint of Adli will solve Kessie’s farewell. But, hopefully Kessie will change his mind to remain at Milan.
I have been saying that there isn’t alternative to Diaz in the team. We need another strong 10 while grooming Maldini gradually. As for Leao is needs to improve on his end product which has been poor so far. I reserved my comment on Pellegri for now. Generally well done guys, we are moving forward