Ranking AC Milan's Top 5 Players for September
September was a month of ups and downs for Milan. New coach Sinisa Mihajlovic continued implementing his preferred tactics, but had to deal with yet more injuries and suspensions as his team won two and lost two of their four Serie A fixtures.
Thus—at least in terms of results—the last four weeks have been, by definition, average for the Rossoneri. Yet, while they reside outside the European spots in a mid-table position, there seems to have been a gradual improvement in performance.
The 1-0 defeat to Inter was a close contest, while, in two other games, Milan scored three goals to down their opponents (Palermo and Udinese). Defensive issues persist—Milan are yet to keep a clean sheet in the league—but there are positive signs.
Here are Milan’s top five players for September, a month of mild promise.
5: Davide Calabria
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Davide Calabria was relatively unheard of before Mihajlovic was appointed Milan coach in the summer. Since then, the 18-year-old has risen to prominence, making his full competitive debut for the club and impressing with his composed performances from right-back.
Best performance
Calabria came off the bench for an injured Ignazio Abate against Palermo and retained his place for Milan’s 3-2 win over Udinese with Abate still unavailable. He did well against the Zebrette, tackling effectively and providing width down the right when needed.
What next?
Calabria’s place will come under threat when more experienced team-mates, namely Luca Antonelli and Abate, return to full fitness.
Antonelli will likely resume his left-back role, meaning Mattia De Sciglio will also be fighting for the right-back spot. Once that happens, Calabria may have to settle for a place on the bench.
4: Carlos Bacca
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Carlos Bacca was Milan’s most-expensive summer signing, joining from Europa League winners Sevilla for a sizeable €30 million fee. Since then, while he has yet to find a regular strike partner, he has hit the net frequently, scoring twice in four games in September.
Best performance
Unfortunately for Bacca, both of his goals in September came in the same game. He hit his brace against Palermo, which proved vital in sinking Giuseppe Iachini’s men en route to a 3-2 win. However, in his three other league appearances he failed to score.
What next?
In Milan’s final league game of September, against Genoa, Bacca started on the bench. He came on for Luiz Adriano on 81 minutes and didn't make an impression.
The task for the Colombian now is to re-establish himself as Milan’s star striker and forge a working partnership with either Adriano or Mario Balotelli.
3: Riccardo Montolivo
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Riccardo Montolivo began this season as a squad player with little prospects. Mihajlovic didn’t seem to rate him and, after injury woe and underperformance, many Milan fans agreed with the coach’s viewpoint.
However, since starting in a regista role against Inter, Montolivo looks to have cemented a regular berth in Milan’s starting lineup.
Best performance
Montolivo replaced Nigel de Jong at the base of Milan’s diamond midfield for the Milan derby and excelled in the role, but statistically his best performance came against Palermo. He barely misplaced a pass against the Rosanero, with an incredible 97.5 per cent pass accuracy per WhoScored.
What next?
Montolivo should continue to operate from the base of midfield, where he has proven himself to be more efficient than in a more-advanced or wider role. From there, his passing range and technique provides much-needed control in Milan’s midfield.
2: Mario Balotelli
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Mario Balotelli’s arrival at Milan for a second spell prompted a lot of questions. Much of the uncertainty surrounded two key issues: Where he would fit in Sinisa Mihajlovic’s plans, and what sort of impact would he have on team spirit.
Those questions have since been answered rather emphatically with some vibrant performances.
Best performance
Coming off the bench against a former club, with your current team having just gone 1-0 down, isn’t a perfect introduction for any footballer. But Balotelli handled this situation with distinction, emerging from the bench to try and drag Milan back into their derby with Inter.
He tantalised and hit the woodwork, though, ultimately, couldn’t affect the scoreline.
What next?
It was initially believed that Balotelli would play second fiddle to Bacca and Adriano when he rejoined Milan, but that perception has altered.
He is still widely considered Italy’s best natural striker and, judging on recent games, Bacca and Adriano now appear to be fighting for the right to partner Balotelli up front.
1: Giacomo Bonaventura
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Giacomo Bonaventura was extremely influential for Milan throughout September.
For the most part, the Italian international played on the left of Milan’s midfield three in a 4-3-1-2 formation but, in the final league game of the month against Genoa, switched to a more-attacking trequartista role.
Best performance
Bonaventura’s best performance came at home to Palermo, where he scored one goal and set up another as Milan won 3-2. For his efforts he was rewarded with WhoScored’s man-of-the-match award.
What next?
After being given a more attacking role for Milan’s 1-0 defeat to Genoa, it is a distinct possibility that he will be asked to play there for the foreseeable future. While he didn’t impress on the day, this position is more natural for the former Atalanta creator.
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