Adrien Rabiot posted “The Duke is back” on Instagram the day after the 1-0 derby win over Inter.
“We missed you” was the shared response across the Rossoneri world. One match was enough, and a tough one, even without many minutes in his legs, to show why the former Marseille midfielder already looks untouchable.
More than a month after the calf problem he suffered on international duty, Rabiot started from the first minute against high-level opponents like Barella and Calhanoglu. How did it end? Beyond the result, where Rabiot still played a part with the header in midfield that sent the ball toward Calhanoglu before Fofana stepped in, the performance stood out. The Frenchman won almost every duel against his direct opponents. Allegri said before the match, “When you win individual duels you have more chance to win. We won few in the second half in Parma and we drew.” That was the point.
Allegri, again in his press remarks, praised the midfielder. “I found a much better Rabiot than the one I coached at Juventus. He is at his peak age, a strong presence on the pitch.” His season in Marseille under De Zerbi clearly made him more complete. The long runs will take time, and it is normal for Adrien to regain top condition after more than a month out, a player with his build needs minutes to return to his best.
Milan already enjoyed the “Duke” version. Adrien controlled the game, managed himself well, and kept opponents and the ball under control. His presence on the left side helped Bartesaghi, Modric was not the only one pressed during the buildup, and his teammates found another safe option in the number 12 besides Luka when they needed calm possession in a tense derby. Before the match, many pointed out the clear difference between Milan with Rabiot and Milan without him. Yesterday confirmed it again.
