Monitoring AC Milan's Youth Movement in November 2016

AC Milan's run of good form continued last month as they went unbeaten throughout November for the first time since the 2011-12 season. Due to an international break, they played only three league fixtures, but they won two and drew one, further cementing their position in Serie A’s top three.

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A tough 2-1 win at Palermo was followed up by a riveting 2-2 draw against city rivals Inter Milan at the San Siro. To close the month, the Rossoneri travelled to Tuscany and comfortably defeated relegation-threatened Empoli 4-1.

Once again, Milan’s youngsters played integral roles in the team’s positive form. Here, Bleacher Report tracks their progress throughout November.

NB: In order to qualify, players must be aged 23 or under.

Best Moment: Suso’s Opening Goal Against Inter

Most of Milan’s best moments in November revolved around Suso. The creator turned 23 years old the day before the Derby della Madonnina and celebrated by hitting a sensational double. He then created two goals and scored one of his own in the victory over Empoli.

Prior to this season, he was viewed with curiosity by Milanisti. He had failed to make much of an impression during his first year in red and black, but he had enjoyed a productive six months on loan at Genoa last term. Upon his return, he immediately made a case for his inclusion in head coach Vincenzo Montella’s starting lineup with a number of technically and tactically proficient displays.

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However, there remained doubts as to exactly how effective he was and whether he could genuinely thrive in the long term for the Rossoneri. Those doubts were vanquished last month, and his opening goal against Inter could be seen as a key turning point in this respect.

Montella’s side had been dominated for much of the first half by a Nerazzurri outfit re-energised by the appointment of Stefano Pioli as coach. Pressed deep in their own half and with their possession restricted, Milan struggled to progress the ball into the final third. But, despite all of this, they would go into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead courtesy of Suso.

On 42 minutes, Giacomo Bonaventura led a counter-attack, and taking the ball to the edge of the Inter penalty area, he found Suso in space to his right. Four subtle touches later and the net was bulging, as the Spaniard curled a stunning effort beyond Samir Handanovic to give his side the lead.

Best Individual Performance: Suso Against Empoli

While his two-goal display against Inter could be seen as Suso’s breakout Milan performance, he arguably went one better the following week.

After just 15 minutes away to Empoli, he played a perfectly placed right-footed cross into the feet of Gianluca Lapadula, who opened the scoring. And, while the home side equalised soon after, the 23-year-old restored Milan’s lead in the second half with a composed finish from an Ignazio Abate cross.

Bonaventura forced an own goal after a vibrant run to give the Rossoneri a two-goal cushion and, from that moment on, they countered their hosts. Suso took advantage of a tiring opposition to turn away from his marker and supply Lapadula’s second strike of the night.

Most Improved Player: Suso

There was only ever going to be one winner in this category. In each of his three outings in November, Suso proved to be a game-changer. Indeed, it is possible that without his presence, Milan would have failed to win a single match during the entire month.

Away to Palermo, it was his lashed effort after opposition goalkeeper Josip Posavec spilled a cross that put Milan in the lead. And, later in the game, it was his driven strike that Lapadula deflected in to seal all three points.

Against Inter, Suso’s contribution wasn’t limited to scoring the opening goal. He also made it 2-1 in the second half with a calm finish after some brilliant dribbling in a tight space to befuddle Nerazzurri centre-back Miranda.

His involvement in three goals against Empoli meant that, throughout November, Suso had a direct hand in seven of Milan’s eight goals. And, over the course of three fixtures, he completed nine dribbles and made six important passes.

Fan’s Choice: Suso

Given all that has been written, it comes as no surprise that Suso was the fans' choice for Milan’s best young player in November, beating last month’s winner Gianluigi Donnarumma, Manuel Locatelli and Gustavo Gomez with 68 per cent of the Twitter vote.

Recently, the talented attacker spoke to Onda Cero (h/t Football Italia) about the success of him and his fellow young players at the club this season, stating:

"

For the moment, everything is fine. After the many years of problems, it was important for someone to find the formula for a successful Milan, and Montella has managed it.

I was very surprised by the way he focused on youngsters, he doesn’t care about your age if you can make a contribution to the team.

We’re a very young Milan, different than the others. In Italy they say that this is dangerous, but we’re showing that it’s not and we have to continue on this path.

"

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One to Watch: Gustavo Gomez

Gabriel Paletta has been one of the surprising performers of the season for Milan. The uncompromising 29-year-old centre-back has put in some typically rugged displays, albeit without the constant defensive errors that previously riddled his game. However, his place in the starting lineup is now under threat.

Gustavo Gomez arrived in the summer from Argentinian champions Lanus as an unknown quantity. But, with two strong showings in November, he is beginning to prove himself as a central defender worthy of Serie A status.

Coming in for the injured Alessio Romagnoli against Inter, the 23-year-old put in a sturdy if unspectacular performance alongside Paletta before replacing his more experienced colleague to partner Romagnoli for the trip to face Empoli.

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In both games it became clear that Gomez needs to work on his ball-playing capabilities and composure if he is to suit Montella’s style, which is built around patiently building effective possession from the back. However, the Paraguayan also proved himself to be a forceful tackler with a good reading of the game.

Against Inter, he made a remarkable 12 clearances, as well as two tackles and four interceptions. And, away to Empoli, he made a further eight clearances, two tackles and one interception.

Gomez is adjusting well to Italian football and deserves more opportunities to establish himself as Romagnoli’s long-term central-defensive foil.

Needs to Improve: Mario Pasalic

In November, Mario Pasalic grew to be an increasingly prominent member of Milan’s squad. He started in the wins over Palermo and Empoli, and he came off the substitutes' bench for the final minutes of the draw with Inter as Montella looked to shore up the midfield.

Unfortunately, the 21-year-old didn’t stand out in any of his three appearances, suggesting that when all players are fit, he may struggle to get game time.

Perhaps his strongest showing came at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, where goals from Suso and Lapadula saw off Palermo. After that match, Montella stated his pleasure at the Croatian’s performance while suggesting there was room for improvement.

“Pasalic lost a bit of rhythm, but he is a player who has power, can do more and play in midfield roles,” the coach told Premier Sports (via FourFourTwo). “He needs to have the hunger of Lapadula to stay at these levels.”

The successful experimentation with Bonaventura on the left of a front three alongside Lapadula and Suso may create some extra space in midfield for Pasalic to exploit. But, in order to do so, his all-round play will need to be more adventurous—thus far, he has averaged just 0.8 dribbles and 0.3 key passes per game.

All statistics provided by WhoScored.com unless otherwise stated.