Milan Player Ratings vs Hellas Verona: Reijnders Rescues Fonseca | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders’ sublime finish inspired Milan to an all-important 1-0 away victory against Serie A bottom-half strugglers Hellas Verona. Paulo Fonseca’s team lacked numerous first-team stars but claimed three precious points.

Milan headed into proceedings seeking redemption for a heart-wrenching 0-0 home draw against Genoa last weekend. It was the worst possible way to celebrate the club’s 125th birthday, reinforcing the pressure on Fonseca to take three points at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.

As if missing the likes of Alvaro Morata, Christian Pulisic, Noah Okafor, and Yunus Musah wasn’t devastating enough, Milan lost standout winger Rafael Leao to injury already in the first half. Even with the Portuguese stalwart on the field, the Rossoneri failed to do much in the final third.

Except for Filippo Terracciano’s long-range attempt, Milan didn’t test Lorenzo Montipo before halftime. However, it took them 11 minutes into the second half to find a breakthrough. Youssouf Fofana dispatched Reijnders in space with an inch-perfect pass.

The former AZ Alkmaar midfielder still had plenty to do. He went for a first-time finish, and it was a hit. Montipo was helpless as Milan went 1-0 up in one of the least eventful games in Serie A this season. Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.

Milan (4-2-3-1)

Mike Maignan – 6

Verona’s substandard attacking display made it relatively easy for the star goalkeeper. Apart from a first-half diving save to thwart Tomas Suslov’s attempt, he didn’t have to intervene.

Emerson Royal – 6

Another useless attacking showing from the Brazilian full-back overshadowed a commendable defensive effort, though he didn’t need to pick up that booking.

Matteo Gabbia – 7.5

What a defender he’s become! In addition to an incredible composure on the ball, Milan’s homegrown center-back won every duel in the air and on the ground.

Malick Thiaw – 6.5

With Gabbia doing most of the heavy lifting, the German starlet had a comfortable night, making several routine interventions to avert the danger.

Alejandro Jimenez – 7

Undoubtedly Milan’s liveliest performer tonight! Leao’s injury forced Fonseca to move him higher up the pitch. The Spanish teenager demonstrated impressive skills and even came close to scoring.

Filippo Terracciano – 6

Risk-avert in possession, the ex-Verona utility man rarely gave the ball away, though he didn’t create much. However, he nearly broke the deadlock with a thunderous strike toward the end of the first half.

Youssouf Fofana – 7

The Frenchman’s uptick in form has significantly bolstered Milan’s midfield. His defense-splitting pass teed Reijnders up for the opening goal.

Samuel Chukwueze – 6

Despite enjoying plenty of the ball, the Nigerian’s erratic final touch constantly let him down. His decision-making is dubious, to say the least.

Tijjani Reijnders – 7.5

He’s in a league of his own at the moment. The goal was the fitting reward for another scintillating performance, with the Dutchman establishing himself as Milan’s driving force.

Rafael Leao – 5.5

Looked lively in the early stages before suffering an injury setback midway through the first half.

Tammy Abraham – 5

A lack of services in the box diminished his influence. However, he fought tooth and nail for every possession.

Substitutes

Theo Hernandez – 5.5