Sky: ‘A 360-degree player’ – Fofana’s importance shown through impressive derby stats | OneFootball

A Sky journalist has claimed that AC Milan are finally starting to see the best of Youssouf Fofana following his arrival from Monaco in the summer after a positive performance in the derby.

Fofana was the fourth summer signing that Milan made after Alvaro Morata, Strahinja Pavlovic and Emerson Royal, joining on a long-term deal from Monaco for a fee widely reported to be around €20m.

At times it felt like a negotiation that would never reach the desired ending, but things eventually got over the line. Milan quickly agreed terms with Fofana then turned to striking a deal with Monaco, and after weeks of back-and-forth there were finally handshakes all round.

Due to the fact he arrived later than planned he was not a starter at the beginning of the season, but against Inter – as we predicted he would in our player analysis – Fofana showed exactly why he can be an important balancer and protector for the defence.

Speaking live from Milanello for Sky, Manuele Baiocchini went into more detail about Fofana’s performance in the derby on Sunday including some of the impressive numbers from the Frenchman.

“Pulisic’s start has been really important. A flying start, better than last year when he had already scored two goals in the first two games: this season he has scored three goals in the last four and added two assists,” he said (via Radio Rossonera).

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“He is a fixed point for Fonseca’s Milan as he was for Pioli’s Milan… he was one of the first players to settle in. If Pulisic’s numbers are good, Fofana’s are finally good too. Against Inter he was one of the most positive players and one of the tactical keys, placed there between the two central defenders to build out.

“Total duels: 10, he was the first among the Milan players. Duels won: 6. Kilometres covered: 10.4, the second=most behind Reijnders. A 360-degree player, useful, precious, that Milan waited and negotiated over for a long time, given that he arrived in the last few days of the transfer window.

“Since the match against Inter, Milan are enjoying him because it was seen how fundamental his contribution is for the balance of the team.”