The Three Best and Worst Players in Milan Season So Far

AC Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021 2 comments

After covering the tops and flops of Juve’s season, it’s time to take a closer look at the best and worst performers from the Rossoneri . Milan are currently sitting on top of the table much to the delight of their thirsty fan base after the long sorrowful years. Stefano Pioli have successfully molded a young and dynamic side that is able to go all the way in the Scudetto race against their historical rivals Inter and Juventus. So let’s take a look at the tops and flops from Milan so far in the 2020-2021 season. 

Disclaimer: While the top players chosen are those who are considered – at least in our personal opinion – as the best performers within the club throughout the first part of the 2020-2021 season, the flops wouldn’t necessarily be the worst performers, but instead they are the players who underachieved based on the expectations laid upon them.

#3 Flop: Andrea Conti

In a season where Milan are surprisingly sitting on top of the Serie A table with most of the players doing even better than expected, finding the three Rossoneri flops wasn’t an easy task. 

However, Andrea Conti has never been a name that excited the Diavolo supporters, as the former Atalanta wing-back struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances throughout his time at Milano. Nonetheless, during this season the 26-year-old’s contribution was even less than expected, as he is yet to play a single minute in Serie A. 

Whilst Conti used to compete with his teammate Davide Calabria for a starting spot in past few seasons, the latter has emerged as an automatic start at right-back this campaign after some solid performances, leaving the former far behind him. 

#3 Top: Franck Kessié 

The Ivorian was one of the two midfielders chosen in our Top XI Serie A players for 2020. It took Kessié a few seasons to round-up his game, but luckily for Milan, he was able to transform himself into one of the most dominating midfield forces in Europe. 

The former Atalanta player has formed a wonderful understanding with his midfield partner Ismael Bennacer, and is beginning to link up well with Sandro Tonali, while being one of the most essential elements in Stefano Pioli’s tactical scheme. 

The 24-year-old is not merely a midfield enforcer, but he’s also able to help his side in the build-up, as well as being an excellent penalty-kick taker. 

#2 Flop: Rade Krunić

It’s not unusual for a player to suffer during his first season at a big club before bouncing back and proving his worth starting from his second campaign. But in the case of Rade Krunić, his second season at the San Siro isn’t proving to be an upgrade on his first. 

The Bosnian almost never starts a league match unless there’s a serious injury crisis in midfield, as Stefano Pioli doesn’t seem to be convinced with his ability to play as an attacking-midfielder nor as a part of the double-pivot. 

Krunić is arguably at his best in the mezzala role, a position that isn’t currently adopted by the Milan tactician, which could explain some of his troubles at the club. Nonetheless, the former Empoli man has generally been a disappointment for the Rossoneri. 

#2 Top: Zlatan Ibrahimović 

The inspiring force behind Milan’s Renaissance. Ibrahimović only participated in six league fixtures this term, and managed to score in every single one, grabbing an incredible number of 10 goals, including match-winning braces against Inter and Napoli in two astonishing performances. 

Unfortunately for Milan, the big Swede had to miss more than half of the Serie A matches so far due to a positive Covid-19 test and then a muscular injury, otherwise he would have easily finished at the top of this list. 

#1 Flop: Samu Castillejo

Samu Castillejo is currently in the midst of his third season at Milan, and the Spaniard is yet to truly impose himself on the black and red starting line-up. 

Just like his compatriot and former teammate Suso, Samu doesn’t seem to be a great fit for Italian football. Whilst his skills and talent can’t be doubted, the former Villarreal player hasn’t been too productive, and his main contribution usually comes as a second half substitute or during Europa league fixtures. 

Despite reaching the age of 25, Castillejo often finds himself overlooked, as a host of younger players – like Alexis Saelemaekers, Rafael Leão, Brahim Diaz and Jens Petter Hauge – have managed to usurp him in Pioli’s pecking order. 

#1 Top: Theo Hernández 

Consistency wins the day! The young left-back can never be as influential as the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimović, however, the Frenchman was the driving force that secured several crucial points which allowed Milan to remain on top despite the absence of the Swedish giant. 

According to Transfermarkt, Hernández was involved in 21% of his team’s goals in Serie A so far, which is a stunning stat for a full-back, with 4 goals and 3 assists.

Moreover, It must be noted how important these contributions have been for the Diavolo, as the 23-year-old’s late brace against Parma prevented a certain first defeat for Milan, while his stoppage-time winner against Lazio kept his side on top by the end of 2020.

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