Leeds United 1-1 AC Milan: Three things we learned

AC Milan did not clinch a 3rd consecutive win on Saturday, however at the very least got here away with a draw from the sport in opposition to Leeds United. As at all times, we’ve picked out three issues that we realized from the efficiency.

Max Allegri named a semi-strong beginning XI for the sport, although leaving plenty of the important thing names out as a result of recreation in opposition to Chelsea tomorrow (Sunday). Ardon Jashari bought to make his first look within the crimson and black shirt, for instance, whereas Santiago Gimenez was again up entrance.

Talking of the striker, he scored the Rossoneri’s solely purpose of the sport with an excellent end from contained in the field. Leeds discovered an equaliser within the second half because of a goalkeeping howler, ensuing within the 1-1 scoreline. Beneath are three issues that we realized from the sport…

1. Sala impresses regardless of younger age

The teen Emanuele Sala performed his first minutes for Milan this pre-season, getting the prospect from begin by Allegri. It’s protected to say that he delivered, placing in a really mature efficiency regardless of his younger age (he’s simply 17!).

His motion was excellent, protecting plenty of area and sometimes getting concerned, whereas he managed to showcase some good passing too. In our participant scores, he was named the MOTM with a 7/10, the identical because the goalscorer Gimenez bought.

The truth that he bought caught within the duel as nicely, and truly succeeded in a few of them, was one other excellent signal. It felt like he performed with no nerves and it paid off. He additionally ought to have had an help, placing Gimenez by on purpose with a beautiful move (the Mexican slipped, sadly).

Clearly, there’s nonetheless plenty of expertise within the Milan academy even after Mattia Liberali’s departure. You’d think about that Sala will spend most of his time with the Primavera this season however a while with the Futuro might additionally do plenty of good.

2. Evident defensive strategy

Though Allegri named a 4-3-3 formation on paper, it grew to become clear relatively shortly that it was one thing very completely different out of possesion. Certainly, as an alternative of taking part in as a midfielder, Yunus Musah dropped down and proper to behave as a wing-back of types.

In different phrases, it was extra of a five-man backline, which allowed Milan to sit down very deep whereas Leeds dominated possession for big elements of the sport. The English aspect had a few good possibilities however in the long run, they solely scored as a result of Pietro Terracciano made a howler in purpose.

As we additionally stated after the opposite friendlies this summer season, Allegri has already left a transparent mark on this group and it begins with the defending. Contemplating that final season was extra ‘experimental’ when it comes to techniques, going again to the fundamentals doesn’t sound like such a foul factor.

It’s not nearly counter-attack soccer both, because the Perth Glory recreation made clear, however it could be attention-grabbing to see Milan run a recreation a bit extra in opposition to a harder opponent. Maybe we are able to see it already in opposition to Chelsea tomorrow, though it appears unlikely.

3. Absolute best begin for Santi

It goes with out saying that Gimenez bought off to a flying begin. Sure, he missed an excellent likelihood as a result of aforementioned slip, however he confirmed how scientific he might be with the purpose. Weaker foot or not, it doesn’t matter for the Mexican.

After the sport, the No.7 stated “for a striker, one of the simplest ways to come back again is to attain” in his interview with DAZN. Contemplating that he had a tricky first six months at Milan, along with the latest rumours a couple of new striker arriving, the purpose should be an enormous confidence increase.

He in all probability is aware of that even when a striker had been to reach, he’ll nonetheless get plenty of taking part in time as Milan can not precisely depend on one participant for the function (been there, carried out that!). However he nonetheless must ship, not simply to persuade the Rossoneri but additionally himself.