AC Milan finally managed to put an end to their negative trend as they beat Torino 1-0 at San Siro this evening. It was a much-needed confidence boost and down below are the player ratings for the Rossoneri.
Starting XI
Tatarusanu (6.5): It was a good game by the Romanian who made a couple of very good saves to deny Torino the first goal. He was also decent in the air and made no real mistakes.
Kalulu (6.5): A solid display from the Frenchman with an extra bit of flair as he should have got a wonderful outside-of-the-boot assist. His compatriot Theo Hernandez missed the great chance, though, which we’ll get to later.
Kjaer (6): He did enough to salvage a pass as he did win many duels out there tonight. However, he made an error that almost cost Milan a lot, losing his footing as the last man of the defence.
Thiaw (7 – MOTM): Great game from the youngster who once again showed why he should be a starter for this team. Even in the tough duels, he remained calm and was able to come out on top. He also drove forward with the ball more than one time successfully.
Saelemaekers (6.5): It sounds harsh on the captain, Calabria that is, but the Belgian was a breath of fresh air on the right flank. The wing-back role really suits him and that showed both in defence and attack tonight.
Krunic (5): I’ve praised him for his simplicity in the past, but today it was just simplicity in the shape of back passes. He was too slow on the ball and barely dared anything attacking-wise.
Tonali (5): Just like his colleague, the passing wasn’t really there and the presence was lacking especially in the first half. Granted that Torino are a physical side, Tonali needed to do a lot better.
Hernandez (6.5): It would have been a higher rating if it hadn’t been for the previously mentioned miss (he only needed it to be on target to score). Aside from that, he was a lot more present tonight and it was a wonderful cross for the winner.
Diaz (6): He had quite a few good moments but also several ones where he took too many touches. If he can be just a tiny bit more effective, such as passing the ball quicker, then he will be a great player to have in the XI.
Giroud (7): He probably would have been the MOTM if it hadn’t been for a shocking first half. It seemed like he failed to bring down every single ball in the first half and the flicks certainly didn’t come off. But he improved in the second and it was a trademark header to win the game, which ultimately was crucial.
Leao (6.5): It’s clear that he must start for Milan as even when the situation is tough, such as in the first half, he’s able to at least create something in attack.
Substitutes
Gabbia (6): An okay display from the youngster but not much more than that. Certainly enough to earn a pass as he did what was necessary.
De Ketelaere (N/A): He came on in the 78th minute and, unfortunately, it was not the type of game for him. In fact, we didn’t really see anything of him.
Origi (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.
Calabria (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.
Pobega (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.
