There is a Milan beyond Luka Modric.

• Beyond Pulisic and Rabiot too, as shown by the win over Fiorentina:

Before that, there was already a Milan capable of doing without Leao. Behind the first line, several players have been revitalised by Allegri and are key in helping the team climb the table and reclaim top spot.

If Rafa can drive the team against Fiorentina, or if Christian Pulisic is recognised as the early-season hero, it is also because behind them stands a more compact and united core. Among the five outfield players with the most minutes, there are no attackers, but defenders, wing-backs, and solid midfielders. Less eye-catching than Rafa, yet equally or even more decisive.

Among the top five players with the most minutes, there are the three starting centre-backs: Tomori leads with 775, followed by Pavlovic with 732 (one of the two might rest tomorrow), and Gabbia third with 720. Three players who last season rotated with modest results are now the pillars of an almost impenetrable wall. Milan have conceded only four goals in total, one more than Roma, who have the best defence in the league: a penalty against Napoli, a deflection that gave Fiorentina the lead, and two goals from Cremonese on the opening day, effectively the last ones conceded from open play.

The rejuvenated Tomori spoke to SportMediaset: "For us, it’s a second Rossoneri life, there's a different atmosphere. Too early to talk about the Scudetto, but if we win, maybe I'll go blonde. And as long as the directors don't tell me 'enough', I’m staying here."

The comparison helps: after seven league games last season, Milan had conceded nine goals, more than double. And on matchday seven, like this year, Milan faced Fiorentina.

Then, in Florence, Milan lost by two goals, with Matteo Gabbia and Fikayo Tomori earning poor ratings. Pavlovic stayed on the bench for 90 minutes. The evolution is clear.

Saelemaekers is crucial to Allegri's Milan:

Second in minutes played is Saelemaekers with 738. Only he and the three defenders have passed the 700-minute mark. With Max, Alexis has found his place in the Rossoneri world. He was part of the 2022 title-winning side but not enough to earn long-term trust. His career includes loans to Bologna and Roma. Allegri stopped a third departure in the summer, despite Juventus showing interest with a potential Vlahovic swap.

Alexis has proved invaluable for Milan, involved in every match, either as a wide midfielder or, recently, as an attacking midfielder. He also supports the midfield, with Max valuing his work rate and versatility. His contract runs until 2027, but he will be among the first to discuss renewal. His signature might arrive before the other key players, as relayed by La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition.

Milan's midfield muscle

Fifth in minutes played (681) is Youssouf Fofana. Between Modric’s class and the quality of Rabiot and Ricci (used as a mezzala), the Frenchman provides essential midfield strength. Irreplaceable for balance and coverage. Rather than rejuvenating him, Max has given him more responsibility. He was Leao’s deputy for penalty duty against Fiorentina. Rafa took the shot, scored, and stole the spotlight, but part of the credit goes to Youssouf.