From Italy-France came a great confirmation, if there was still any need: Mike Maignan has returned to his extraordinary levels.
Against the Azzurri, the French goalkeeper showcased, in just two actions, the key aspects of his repertoire: a 60-meter throw to Nkunku, which led to Digne’s free-kick that was then turned into an own goal by Vicario, and a brilliant save at the last second on Kean to preserve first place in the group.
Maignan shows progress and is now a complete champion for Milan
There is one detail that goes beyond the field, which shows how much Maignan has truly become a champion. In the mixed zone, he willingly stopped to speak in Italian with the journalists present, as relayed via Milannews.it.
After answering a couple of questions about the match, the Frenchman deliberately avoided a question that would have touched on the victory in Madrid—not out of lack of courtesy, but to strongly show that the triumph at the "Bernabeu" is part of the past and that Milan needs to focus on the future.
Maignan is a true leader of this Milan team
And there was certainly no need for this overlooked episode to confirm his leadership in the Rossoneri locker room.
With the departures of Kjaer and Giroud, he is the undisputed number one. "Maignan," said Fonseca before Madrid, "is one of the leaders of the group. He had the opportunity to wear the captain’s armband for Milan, he is one of the players I have mentioned as part of the leaders to guide the team." He does this both on and off the field, even when he is not wearing the Rossoneri shirt.
