Milan have been a different beast ever since football re-started after the pandemic break. In 7 games Milan have won 5 and drawn 2, scoring 20 goals and conceding 8 goals. Not even Juventus could escape Milan’s wrath as they came down from 2-0 to win 4-2 and have wreathed havoc in serie A only second to Atalanta.
So what factors have contributed to this re-birth of Milan. We take a look at a few factors that have essentially contributed to this great form
1. The Re-surgence of Kessie and Hakan Çalhanoglu
Before the break Kessie had only a single goal to show for the season. Rumour mills began speculating and news circulated that Kessie was put on the market. But since the break he has scored 3 goals in 3 matches 2 of them being absolutely gorgeous. What has improved is the shift from a 3 man midfield to a 2 man midfield has played to his strengths. His chemistry with Bennacer is also really strong as both men complement each other well.
Another player who has risen from mediocritiy is Hakan Çalhanoglu. 3 goals and 4 assists in 7 games to remind people once again the player Hakan was in Leverkusen. Being played in a free role behind Ibrahimoviç who has been a proper ball playing centre forward has helped Hakan more freedom and more creativity to play
2. Rebic continuing his form
Before the break Ante Rebic was the revelation of the season. Before the break Rebic had 6 goals and was in red hot form. He didn’t plan to stop anytime soon as he has amassed 4 goals and 2 assists since the break in 7 games. After a period of adjustment Rebic seems to be a terror for Italian defences. Although he does take poor touches and does dodgy dribbles his pace as well his physicality which helps him to hold up the ball (like how he held up the ball to pass to Paqueta in our first goal vs Roma) helps Milan to get around defences more quickly.
3. Off the Ball movement and quick passing combination
When Milan appointed Giampaolo it was inorder to adapt to a quick passing style but he couldn’t impose it in Milan. Pioli too struggled but once Milan got rid of Piatek and Suso and brought in Ibrahimoviç who is a ball playing centre forward unlike Piatek and Samu Castillejo being faster than Suso, Milan’s transition from defence to offense is quicker and more slick.
Players seemed to have developed an understanding with each other. This has made them take up positions or move and station themselves exactly where the person in posession would want them to. This has helped to move the ball faster and catch the oppositon of guard
4. Solidification of the backline thanks to Kjær
Ever since Romagnoli adorned the Rossoneri colours he has never found a centre back partner. An ersatz partnership was developed with Musacchio but it was never for the long run. Milan finally got their man in Danish centre back Simon Kjær. With 1.91 metres in height and pacy he has provided to be a perfect partner for Alessio Romagnoli. He has also brought a sense of leadership and experience to the backline and has even helped to mend an extremely leaky right side which has been a bane for Milan since the times of Gattuso. Kjær has averaged 1.1 successful tackles per game and has 2.8 clearences per match.
The Milan Blog 