Player Ratings: Slovan Bratislava 2-3 AC Milan – Abraham shows class; Calabria dire

AC Milan followed up the disappointing draw against Juventus with another poor display against Slovan Bratislava. Nevertheless, a few players actually did well and below are the 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): He could do very little on the goals scored, even if a stronger arm could have saved the second, and it must be hard to constantly be exposed by the defenders.

Calabria (4.5): It was his first start in a long time and it showed, especially after set pieces as he failed to protect his own half properly. We saw this on the first goal as he was way too rash in trying to intercept the ball, rather than protecting Maignan. He was also rather poor throughout the game, in both phases, and was carded for a rough tackle.

Tomori (5.5): His positioning wasn’t always brilliant, as seen on the first goal when he got caught in two minds – either play the offside trap or follow the man. The passing also left a bit to be desired on a few occasions, and he was booked in the second half for a rather rash foul.

Pavlovic (6.5): He lost one duel (with a sliding challenge) that could have proved costly for Milan, but he also saved a goal with an absolutely brilliant goal-line clearance. Aside from that, it was okay and although it mainly wasn’t his fault on the first goal, his positioning also could have been better at times.

Hernandez (5.5): The vice-captain wasn’t necessarily poor, we just didn’t see much of him this evening. A few combinations as well as runs forward here and there, but against an opponent like Slovan, the feeling is that he could have been more commanding.

Fofana (6.5): He had a couple of poor misplaced passes in the first half but improved as the game went on, and was an important presence in the midfield. This was seen especially on the second goal with the beautiful pass for Leao (like we saw against Cagliari).

Reijnders (5.5): The midfielder was put in a very unfavourable position by Calabria on the first goal, clearly behind from the start in the foot race. Having said that, it perhaps wasn’t his best game for Milan in terms of passing and movement, at least we can certainly demand more.

Chukwueze (5): Unfortunately, it was not a good game from him at all. Fair play for almost always taking on the man, which is what we like to see, but he failed in most 1v1s and the end product was poor when he got past. He also threw himself to the ground way too easily in duels, and the crossing was truly below average.

Pulisic (7): It was a great run to open things up for Milan and slot home the first goal of the game. He also had another good run prior to that, but the effort was saved. He continued to be lively in attack and considering how the rest of the play looked, this was essential.

Okafor (5): Apart from one or two combinations with Theo, and maybe on run into the centre with no end product, we really didn’t see anything from him. He was rightfully subbed off at half-time by the manager.

Abraham (7 – MOTM): It might sound generous to name the Englishman the best, but his awareness and vision were brilliantly displayed on the first two goals. The dribble before the layoff to Pulisic was great, and the little dummy to put Leao through was fantastic. The goal topped it off, and even though it was a gift, he had good positioning (and shot quickly).

Substitutes

Leao (7): We can say whatever we want about the counter at the end, when he could have laid it off to Theo, but his run was ultimately the ice-breaker for Milan in the second half. It’s just like what we saw against Cagliari and the finish was brilliant too. He needs to continue like this.

Musah (6): The American did a good job in possession and showcased his ability to break through departments with the ball as well. We can’t ask for much more off the bench.

Emerson Royal (N/A): We didn’t see enough to give him a rating.

Loftus-Cheek (N/A): We didn’t see enough to give him a rating.

Camarda (N/A): We didn’t see enough to give him a rating.