Milan vs. Torino: 5 Things We Learned
Clarence Seedorf's unbeaten streak at Milan continues in Serie A, although this particular affair against Torino ended up in a draw.
Even though the one point picked up at home could be seen as a failure for Milan, there were a few positives to take away from this match as the squad continues to grow under their new manager.
Here are five things we learned in this pivotal Serie A match:
Keisuke Honda Needs to Show More
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We're going to give Keisuke Honda the benefit of the doubt because he still hasn't reached full fitness after finishing an entire Russian season with CSKA, but the Japanese playmaker hasn't been too influential since joining and looked very mediocre against Torino.
Honda seems to mostly play with his back to the defender, where he gets pressed very tightly. Apart from the occasional lovely pass, he hasn't yet found his stride in Serie A, and he'll be expected to improve his game as the season goes on.
Rami Has Been Excellent
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Adil Rami's thundering shot, which clipped a defender and ended up in the back of Torino's net, doesn't even have anything to do with his rating after the match.
Rami was excellence at the heart of Milan's defense, showing plenty of composure in possession and banging around his hulking frame to make several key stops.
Unfortunately, his defensive partner Daniele Bonera was diabolical and could be pegged as the main reason why Milan conceded the goal.
Ciro Immobile Finally Living Up to His Potential
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The striker owned by Juventus burst on the scene when he managed 28 goals in Italy's second division with Pescara.
Last year, the transition to the Serie A was felt as the hit-man was only able to manage five goals in 33 appearances with Genoa. Now that he's at Torino, the goals are coming back and we're seeing a player who could very well be part of the Juventus starting XI in the next few seasons.
Immobile now has 11 goals this season in Torino and is threatening to go to first place on the Capocannoniere standings.
New Milan Signings Await Playing Time
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Last-gasp signings Michael Essien and Adel Taarabt will have to wait another week to make their Milan debut.
The former Chelsea midfielder was called up to the squad, and he is pictured above on the bench.
Taarabt still is waiting for his first call-up as he needs time to get a few practices in with his new teammates.
Expect Essien to see playing time next week while Seedorf takes a wait-and-see approach with the maligned Taarabt, who has been criticized for his laziness.
Kaka Has Dropped Off
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Ever since his fantastic start at the end of 2013 with Milan, Kaka has dropped off a bit.
There are still positives in his game, as he always gives maximum effort and was involved in two near-influential plays against Torino.
Kaka's pass to find Robinho in space was fantastic, while his curling effort from outside the box forced a miracle save from Torino goalkeeper Daniele Padelli.
The former Ballon d'Or winner will need time to regain his full fitness after being used sparingly at Real Madrid.
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