3 Biggest Positives for AC Milan's 2015/16 Season so Far

AC Milan lost 1-0 away to Juventus on Saturday night, as they slipped to their fifth league defeat of the season. However, despite this latest loss, which ended Milan's five-match unbeaten run, there remains room for optimism.

Even if results haven't been consistently good, there are several facets of Milan's game that have shone since Sinisa Mihajlovic was appointed as coach during the summer.

Milan have become more solid as this season has gone on as the team adjusts to Mihajlovic's tactics. Several individual performers have dazzled, while multiple young talents are making their way at the club.

It may not be the instantaneous revival many were craving, but seeds of positivity have undoubtedly been planted.

1. Individual performances

Several individual Milan players have appeared reborn in recent weeks. Others have simply continued their development under Mihajlovic's tutelage.

Alex resides in the former category. The Brazilian centre-back formerly seen as cumbersome has shown aggression and decisiveness since being brought in to combine with Alessio Romagnoli.

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Riccardo Montolivo began this season on the substitute's bench but has since established himself as the string-puller in deep-lying midfield. His presence in the side has added balance, and his performances have earned him a recall to the Azzurri.

On-loan attackers Mario Balotelli and Alessio Cerci have also seemed intent on rejuvenating their stalled careers under Mihajlovic's watchful eye.

While Balotelli is currently injured, his showings prior to being sidelined were extremely impressive. Cerci, meanwhile, has displayed a level of flair and inventiveness that was absent last season.

Players such as Giacomo Bonaventura and Luca Antonelli have continued their development, arguably reaching new heights in the last couple of months.

Bonaventura particularly has become integral to Milan's success. Per Squawka, he has already made more assists in Serie A this season than he did last, having played 21 less games as it currently stands.

His creativity has been a vital link between midfield and attack, as he has transformed himself into arguably Milan's most influential player.

Additionally, the new signings are beginning to settle in effectively. Romagnoli has become more assured in marshalling the defence, Andrea Bertolacci is beginning to have a tangible impact on the matches he plays, and Carlos Bacca has already scores six league goals.

2. Youth prospects

One of the most promising aspects of Mihajlovic's coaching has been his willingness to nurture—and offer genuine opportunities to—youth prospects.

Milan's primavera has seen some outstanding young talent come through its ranks, though not all of it has made the grade at first-team level.

The likes of Davide Astori, Matteo Darmian, Bryan Cristante and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have been let go without being given real chances to prove themselves in Milan colours, only to succeed elsewhere.

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Obviously cognisant of the wastage of talent over the years, Mihajlovic has made it one of his primary responsibilities to bring through the current crop of prospects, with 16-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and 18-year-old right back Davide Calabria making their full debuts this season.

Donnarumma has since established himself as the team's number one with some indomitable displays that have seen some, such as ESPN FC's James Horncastle, liken him to iconic Juventus shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon.

3. Improving defensive organisation

Milan's lowest ebb of the season came at home to Napoli on 4 October. A 4-0 thrashing was inflicted by the visiting Partenopei to reveal serious issues surrounding the vulnerability of Milan's defensive game.

Since then, Mihajlovic has utilised a 4-3-3 system, something that has brought about a remarkable upturn in the team's defensive resolve.

Structurally, Milan cover more space with the width provided by wingers, which helps in both attacking and defensive phases of play. The back four also seems to be increasingly resolute, perhaps due to decreased levels of tinkering on a weekly basis.

Following the tactical tweaking, Milan have conceded four goals in six games. Prior to it, they had conceded 13 in seven. The numbers speak for themselves.

In Milan's last two matches—against Atalanta and Juventus—they have failed to score. Following the loss to Juventus, Mihajlovic commented to Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia), "We fielded the most attacking lineup we could. Paradoxically, we did well defensively and should've done more going forward."

While Milan are evidently not yet the finished article, their individual and collective performances are improved and the youngsters are promising. There are signs of a brighter future under Mihajlovic's reign.