Yesterday's match between AC Milan and AS Roma was characterised by goals from Yacine Adli, Olivier Giroud, and Theo Hernandez. One very evident thing unites the three Rossoneri players: they are all French. And all, with yesterday's performance, managed to relieve some tension or a burden for very different reasons from each other.
The first commendation goes to Olivier Giroud. In every transfer window, including the ongoing one, there is talk of the need for his deputy or successor. Often there are complaints about his performances, which sometimes seem disconnected from the game context. Yet, statistically, Giroud is currently one of the best players in the league. He demonstrated this against Roma as well: a headed goal and a fabulous assist. With 10 goals and 6 assists in the league, he has reached double figures for the third consecutive year. He is 38 years old and certainly, he needs rest and rotation, but also the team making him an active part of its game, as happened yesterday.
Then there's Theo Hernandez, also the target of criticism for performances below expectations. Since making himself available as a central defender, however, his attitude has turned around, and Theo has taken another step forward. His maturity was evident last night when he returned to play as a full-back: concentration, overlaps, and a goal of his own.
Among the two highly rated Frenchmen, for once, the spotlight is on Yacine Adli. The story of the former Bordeaux player at Milan is known to everyone, also because everyone has chosen him as their favourite, even for his attitude in the locker room.
An attitude demonstrated from day one, even when not seen by Pioli, as was the case throughout last season. However, this year the Rossoneri coach has started to give him more responsibility, and Adli, despite his mistakes and limitations inherent in the game, is emerging more and more.
Yesterday, he scored his first goal in red and black, celebrated with enthusiasm by the entire San Siro and his teammates, even on social media. But the overall performance was very positive, and with Bennacer absent until mid-February, it is crucial for Adli to step up, as relayed by Milan News.
A record performance for the French players of Milan, as Opta recalls, no Serie A team had scored with three different French players in the same match. A Milan that moves to the rhythm of the Marseillaise.
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