GdS: Simplicity and shielding – how Fofana’s role has changed at Milan compared to Monaco

AC Milan knew that they needed to address the balance of the midfield during the summer transfer window, and Youssouf Fofana is giving signs that he could be the missing piece.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport write, Fofana has played five games for Milan and there are some clear indications so far: out of possession he closes off the passing lanes and provides protects for the back four, but in possession he seems shy and has not shown the attacking dimension he had at Monaco.

There are two possible explanations. The first: Fofana sacrifices himself, he knows that Paulo Fonseca needs balance and does not go and occupy an area of ​​the pitch inhabited by Reijnders, Pulisic, Morata and Leao. The second: Fofana arrived late and with Milan is not yet 100% fit.

The data shows that Fofana shot on goal 1.6 times per game at Monaco, while at Milan that value dropped to 0.6. He had higher numbers on expected assists (0.14 in France against 0.02 in Italy so far) and created a big chance every five games. In Serie A he is at zero and it doesn’t seem a rapid transformation is close.

Fofana is cautious with the Rossoneri and his heat maps explain a lot. At Monaco he was protected by a defensive midfielder, who was often Denis Zakaria, but now he plays with the ball mostly in his half of the field. He is the one protecting Reijnders, rather than the other way around.

When Milan have the ball, the France international dribbles in front of the central defenders, doesn’t take risks, plays with two touches. Essential. When Milan defends, Fofana stays with Reijnders in front of the central defenders as a screen to intercept moves in action.

Fonseca can be grateful because with Fofana and Gabbia he has found some stability. Against Venezia, Inter and Lecce conceded little (just 1.47 combined Expected Goals for the opponents) but Liverpool overran Milan and Inter had 27 touches in Maignan’s area which is a lot.

The challenge, for Fonseca and Fofana, is to find balance without giving up the best attack in the league. The question now is as follows: will the structure always be the same or will it evolve, not against Leverkusen and Fiorentina but perhaps from Milan-Udinese, after the October break, when Fofana will arrive close to 100% condition?

The feeling is that as long as Reijnders and the other attacking players are well, Fofana will remain a defensive midfielder as the safety blanket in front of the back four. This is something that many were crying out for, so there shouldn’t be much disappointment.