AC Milan Stars Who Stood Out Against Valencia

On the whole, it was a positive performance for AC Milan in the first-round game of the International Champions Cup against Spanish side Valencia.

Their 2-1 win was entertaining, giving fans and management alike another chance to run the rule of the new-look Rossoneri ahead of the 2013-14 season. 

But who stood out the most, and why? 

Robinho

Robinho missed from the penalty spot against Valencia, making it two games in a row in which the Brazilian has failed to covert a penalty. Happily for the forward, and for Milanisti, the rest of the match was far more positive for the player.

The 29-year-old has been at the centre of speculation this summer, but after seeing a hotly tipped move to Santos fall through, he has recommitted himself to Milan and will be hoping to force himself into Max Allegri's plans for the season ahead. 

The game with Valencia was a mixed bag for the Brazilian. Only seconds after missing the penalty, Robinho drilled home a low effort from the edge of the area. Unfortunately, the player was not able to contribute more, picking up a muscle injury, per Fifa.com, not long after scoring, which forced him off the pitch after just 25 minutes.

More tests have yet to be conducted, but an injury is the last thing Robinho needs following last season's disappointing performances if he's going to convince Allegri to make him a firm fixture in the starting XI. 

Andrea Poli

Andrea Poli couldn't have asked for a much better start to his time in red and black. The 23-year-old started the game brightly and won the penalty Robinho missed before setting up the Brazilian straight after with a sublime through-ball. 

Nigel De Jong—who we'll get to in a minute—was also present in the midfield with the young Italian, and it must be said that Allegri's central options now look very nice indeed. 

It will be no easy task for Poli to cement a place in this Milan setup, but on the evidence of this game, he's up to the challenge. He's definitely one to watch. 

Nigel De Jong

Milan fans should be happy to see Nigel De Jong back on the field. The Dutchman is still working on his comeback from long-term injury, but if the game against Valencia is anything to go by, it won't be too long before he's in top shape.

De Jong adds some much-needed muscle to Allegri's side, and with the likes of Poli and Riccardo Montolivo around him, he should become an integral, defence-minded piece in Milan's midfield for the course of the 2013-14 campaign. 

Against the Spaniards, he also showed some rarely exhibited attacking skills, scoring the goal of the game with a stunning curled shot from distance. Not the kind of player Milan will want to rely on for goals in Serie A, but it was easy to see the positive effect his physical dominance in front of the back four had on his more attacking teammates. The 28-year-old offers security and allows the other midfielders to get forward. 

Philippe Mexes

Philippe Mexes is on this list for all the wrong reasons. The Frenchman was abysmal against Valencia, looking completely out of shape and out of tune with his teammates. 

Now, 31, the Frenchman looks less and less likely to become the truly great defender many once thought he'd be and will be in danger of losing his place in the Milan starting XI if he continues like this.

Not only was his decision-making poor, he was untidy on and off the ball several times throughout the game and probably should have cost his side at least a goal. Rash tackles—another weakness of the former Roma man, particularly when he's not having a good game—were also an issue. 

He'll need to shape up—and fast.