Player Ratings: AC Milan 4-0 Venezia – Abraham impresses; leaders respond

AC Milan clinched their first win of the season as they found the back of the net four times against a struggling Venezia side. Several players did well and the fans got the response they wanted, so 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 XIs

Maignan (6): Venezia had just one shot on target so the goalkeeper wasn’t really tested that much. However, his positioning was always good and he was decent with his feet too, so a comfortable evening for him.

Emerson Royal (6): A solid display from the Brazilian and taking his previous appearances into consideration, this was very nice to see. He didn’t take many risks, especially not in attack, and focused on his positioning above all else. For a higher rating in upcoming games, he will need to show more when going forward.

Gabbia (6): Just like the right-back, the academy product did what he does best with solid defending and a strong aerial presence. He claimed the second goal of the game but in the end, he didn’t get it. Also picked up a rather unnecessary yellow card tonight.

Pavlovic (6.5): The Serbian was impressive in the 1v1s, as you almost expect now, and he linked up well with his teammates in the defensive movements. He wasn’t put to the test that much, though, and his passing can still be more incisive.

Hernandez (7.5): He was very diligent at the back, covering for his teammates on more than one occasion, and he was equally impressive when going forward. He got a bit lucky with the goal but it was a great run (and above all first touch) to start the whole thing. If effort was lacking in previous games, it was the complete opposite today.

Fofana (6.5): It was really nothing special from the Frenchman, struggling a bit with his passing especially at the start of the game. However, he grew into the game and found his position more and more. As we also found out towards the end of the game, he actually got his first goal too as Gabbia was deemed not to have touched the ball. And it was a nice flick, to be fair.

Loftus-Cheek (7): The Englishman was much better in the ‘new position’, playing closer to the defence and to the left. He used his size in the best way possible and wasn’t forced to be a creative outlet (which was good). In other words, we got what we needed from him.

Pulisic (7): He was always incredibly comfortable on the ball and thus helped Milan keep possession on numerous occasions. The penalty was very calm and the assist for Fofana’s header was perfect, with his corner delivery proving to be a real weapon for the Rossoneri.

Reijnders (7): Great on the ball as always and dangerous on the edge of the box. He also forced the goalkeeper to the save just before the first penalty was awarded. He perhaps faded a bit in the second half, but there’s no doubt that he is suitable for the more advanced role.

Leao (7.5 – MOTM): He had a smile on his face tonight, certainly waking up on the right side of the bed. Was a constant threat to the Venezia defence, won the second penalty and got the assist for Theo with a perfectly weighted pass. Exactly what Milan needed from him tonight.

Abraham (7.5): He was fantastic in the pressing, recovering the ball several times, and he was always on the move in attack. Not to mention that he won the first penalty and then converted the second. If he and Morata can stay fit, then Milan will have two very good strikers this season.

Substitutes

Morata (6): Worked hard from the second he set foot on the pitch but ultimately, Milan had slowed down significantly at this point. It was just nice to see him get some minutes ahead of the Liverpool and Inter games.

Okafor (6): He sort of picked up where Leao left off as Venezia continued to struggle when Milan attacked with pace on the left flank. Not much to show for it in the end, but still decent.

Musah (N/A): We didn’t see enough of him this evening to give a rating.

Chukwueze (N/A): We didn’t see enough of him this evening to give a rating.

Zeroli (N/A): We didn’t see enough of him this evening to give a rating.