AC Milan claimed three huge points away at Udinese on Saturday night, coming back from 2-1 behind to win 3-2 thanks to a 93rd-minute strike. Several players did well, while some struggled, and below are the player ratings for the Rossoneri.
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out how we decide the player ratings. From the scale to what affects the rating, we have compiled everything there.
Starting XI
Maignan (6.5): He couldn’t do much about the goals, with two great finishes, but that is all secondary on a night like this. The Frenchman faced abuse from the Udinese fans, who sang racist chants, and the fact that he played on showed just how strong he is. Not to mention that he made a very good stop just before Udinese’s second goal.
Calabria (5.5): Poor attacking contribution for the captain, arriving a second too late on most occasions, and he also was far from brilliant in defence. He can do more, and we should expect more.
Kjaer (6): The Dane made a crucial interception in the first half, getting to the ball at the last second, but he was also fooled by Samardzic on Udinese’s first goal. He just about gets a pass here, seeing as he was strong in most of the duels and also won some headers.
Gabbia (7.5 – MOTM): Throughout the 90 minutes, he was by far the best Milan player on the pitch with several interceptions and strong play in the duels. One sequence comes to mind, when he had to stretch all that he could to clear the ball, preventing an open-goal chance for Udinese. And that was only one of many good interventions.
Hernandez (6): His mistake on the second goal was poor, there is no doubt about it, but he at least redeemed himself with the cross just before Milan’s equaliser. He was also involved in the first goal of the game, getting the assist with a similar cross.
Reijnders (4.5): The worst Milan player tonight and it’s not even close. He struggled to keep hold of the ball, often misjudging its arrival, and made three (!) almost identical mistakes in the build-up, losing the ball in very dangerous situations. He didn’t add much when going forward. Far from his normal standard and he probably knows that. Not to mention that he was involved in the second goal conceded.
Adli (6): He wasn’t always the best of friends with the ball, but he improved as the game went on and was important for Milan with his work rate.
Pulisic (6): The American was not involved in a lot tonight, truth be told, but at least showcased some good possession skills and had one good cross for Giroud. It was right to take him off in hindsight, but he just about gets a pass tonight.
Loftus-Cheek (6.5): A calm and collected finish to open the scoring for Milan, once again showing that he enters the box well. However, he struggled to control the ball in many situations afterwards and certainly could have done better.
Leao (6): Another game which is incredibly tough to assess, as has become a theme with the Portuguese international. He was quite poor throughout the 90 minutes, looking sloppy and failing to beat his man on most occasions. He was involved in two of the goals, finding Theo on both occasions, but Milan still needs more from him. Update: After further consideration, his rating has been changed to a 6.
Giroud (6.5): The Frenchman had two great chances in the first half to give Milan the lead but struggled with his touch. However, he was involved in all three goals, assisting the decisive winner and being a great contributor to the first two goals.
Substitutes
Okafor (7): He looked bright from the start, not afraid to use his skill, and ended up being decisive with a great finish from close range. He should always score from there, of course, but he still deserves praise for doing it in that moment.
Jovic (7): Decisive again, at the right place at the right time tonight. With more minutes on the pitch, the Serbian could have done more damage to Udinese, but what he did will certainly do.
Florenzi (6.5): He took the corner which led to Milan’s winner, finding Giroud in the box with a nice cross. Passing is certainly one of the veteran’s main strengths.
Musah (N/A): We didn’t see enough to give him a rating.
The manager
Pioli (7): Milan got a bit unlucky on both of the goals conceded, it must be said, and it was a tough game in general because Udinese slowed down the tempo and made sure there were many breaks. Pioli did well to navigate through this, as the subs he made ultimately were decisive in turning around the game.
