Alphadjo Cisse's world has been completely turned upside down over the past three months. The Milan talent, who arrived at Milanello in the summer after a long injury, quickly earned the trust of Rossoneri coach Amorim and repaid him with hugely important goals in Serie A and the Europa League.
Cisse is the great surprise of the Rossoneri's first part of the season, with such evident growth that Roberto Mancini, head coach of the Italian national team, has rewarded him with a call-up for the next two Nations League matches against France and Belgium.
Alphadjo's career has taken flight. It is the story of a talent who is conquering Milan, Europe and the national team, with great determination but always with extreme humility.
In Genoa, he scored his fifth goal in nine league appearances at the age of 20 years and 17 days, becoming the second-youngest Rossoneri player to reach this milestone in his first 10 appearances in the era of three points for a win, after Alexandre Pato, who achieved it at 18 years and 181 days, as relayed via Corriere dello Sport today.
Meanwhile, in Europe, he has set a new record. The Rossoneri forward is the youngest player from an Italian club to score three goals in European competitions, at 19 years and 358 days.
All clear signs of a young man who has what it takes to become a reference point for the Milan club in the coming years.
Feeling...
The Rossoneri are now enjoying the team's top scorer, with Ruben Amorim playing a leading role in the growth and development of young Alpha:
"The coach is a good person, who knows how to deal with us young players. And he knows how to keep my feet on the ground. Even though I'm not a person who likes to let my mind fly," Cisse said.
"A few weeks ago, they had asked me how much of the player I am I had shown. I had answered 70%. Can I say something? Maybe I have to lower it a little... let's say 40%, because I have to improve in so many aspects, but at the same time I know who I am and how much I am worth," explained the Rossoneri forward.
"Last season, Aquilani, who was my coach at Catanzaro, told me that 'if you don't play at least 10 years in Serie A, for me you will have failed.' I took it as positive motivation."
The national team call-up was further motivation:
"I want to show that I can belong there. The call-up was in the air, they had been talking to me about it for days... but this is my great opportunity. I haven't had the chance to stop and think about my journey. Football moves fast," he told 'Cronache di Spogliatoio' (read full interview HERE).
Cisse receives advice
Having an extraordinary player like Modric in the dressing room is also fundamental for young players. And Cisse wants to make the most of this opportunity to train with the Croatian: "Modric gave me a piece of advice about what I need to improve: I have to know how to read the game better and understand the moments of the match. He is a great one, a spectacular person, willing to help you learn, interesting to listen to," the Rossoneri forward said.
