At Euro 2024, AC Milan have several representatives, and whilst some have shone, others have faced speculation. However, this has been the case for the majority of the leading teams in the tournament.
The European Championship has been intriguing for several reasons so far. Many of the teams who have been expected to dominate have been questionable at times, and whilst the favourites are progressing, there have been doubts about several stars.
Perhaps the biggest one so far has been regarding Rafael Leao’s performance over the tournament. He is tasked with leading the Rossoneri, being the face of the project, and he is the next face of the Selecao. However, he contributed nothing, again, last night as his side were eliminated by France, who themselves weren’t great.
Mike Maignan has received heaps of praise for his performance, most notably from Kylian Mbappe, but the same cannot be said for Theo Hernandez after last night’s performance.
Instead, he played a strange game by his standards, and even though he was decisive, his performance was very divisive, as reported by several papers and compiled by Radio Rossonera. His penalty was the reason France went through, but he was not the reason.
Whilst he did not do anything wrong, he didn’t do anything majorly right, and he received an average rating of 7, not awful, but perhaps not at the standard that Milan and France have come to expect from the defender.
Ah France isn’t great? So far they’re having one of the most incredible defensive performance in the history of international competitions but alright. Milan should be wise to take notice about how a solid midfielder can be decisive defensively.
B, you are from France right?
How do you rate Fofana, I don’t see him impactful at France this Euro. If anything, after he come in, France seemed more open to Portugal attack… Pls give some insight, thanks
I was very drunk in overtime so it’s unclear haha but to me he did the job, nothing fancy though. Both teams were exhausted, especially Portugal that has already been in overtime a few days before. Deschamps might have decided to rely on its defensive solidity to let Portugal have the ball at the end. Overall Fofana didn’t play much at the Euro but he looks solid and confident, he’s quickly in the game. Deschamps only calls players with good character so good point here also. Fofana was a cornerstone player for Monaco, I think he would be useful for our midfield. At best he can become a key starter, at worst he’s still an upgrade over Adli, Musah or Pobega.
Yep, if Fonzy use his favourite 4231 , fofana can form solid midfield pairing with tiji or bennacer ( if he stay) . Any way i hope French meet dutch in euro final , good to see many ACM player play on final . Theo & maignan have good chance to lift their first euro cup if can beat spain young squad
They’re both playing quite well. Theo has been fantastic defensively but he needed to be. He went up against some good wingers. Mike been saving well and that’s coming from me lol 😅. France overall has not been playing well though. “Boring” at times but they are playing quality opposition
Yeah it’s probably painful to watch if you’re not French haha but as a former defender myself, and a big admirer of Milan’s defensive solidity with the likes of Nesta, Maldini, Stam, Kaladze, Billy, etc. when I was younger, I have to say that I’m ecstatic about the defensive displays from France during this Euro. Even with Mbappé in poor form (broken nose and probably psychological issues coming from his current trouble with PSG), Griezmann in poor form and the other forwards being lousy, we’re in semifinals! That’s all that matters at the end, winning! Allez les Bleus !
Haha 😂 nice one. I was looking for another word for “boring” but couldn’t come to mind. Let’s just say it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Some games you gotta grind and France been grinding .
Offensively so far they scored 3 goals including 2 own goals and a penalty. Mbappe isn’t great since breaking his nose and Thuram isn’t doing well. I don’t understand why Deschamps doesn’t try Giroud.
Back to the left back, I think it shows that Theo (or any of our defenders for that matter) could do a good defensive job provided with the right tactics. Theo has often been criticized with us for his lack of defensive duties, but right now defensively he is on par with pretty much anyone. You could point out that it’s difficult to be “exposed” defensively with all of Camavinga, Tchouaméni and Kanté are playing in front of you.
“I don’t understand why Deschamps doesn’t try Giroud.” This!! Totally agree here. Was watching the Portugal game and thought Giroud would have been perfect. He’s different from the other strikers they have and tbh I believe France play better when Giroud is in the team. They flow better for some reason. Griezman also plays better as he feeds off Giroud. With Kolo and Thuram they don’t feed him as much.
On the left back agreed here as well. Those has been great defensively regardless of the mid defence as many of his tackles are 1v1 and zonal he also does well. I think since he played CB earlier in the season his defensive abilities got better. He stays back a bit more now to make sure his area of the pitch is covered first.
Theo is easily the best LB in the world. His standards are down to Deschamps’ strange wizardry – if we can call it that.
France has looked subdued the whole tournament thanks to DD’s safe tactics. They haven’t truly exploded. Theo’s showings are proof of that. I’m not sure what’s so divisive about it.
Look at France’s run – not a single goal (in or out) from open play 5 games in. Theo is a sexy beast. Hope Milan gets him renewed ASAP.