AC Milan secured a 5-0 win over Modena on Saturday which followed up a 6-0 victory over Pro Sesto last week as we have strolled through our schedule thus far.
The Rossoneri are gradually building through the pre-season in order to be at our best condition for the start of the Serie A campaign next month, with the opening two fixtures posing no real danger.
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Last week, Milan secured a 6-0 win over Pro Sesto, while it’s now 11 goals scored and none conceded after our encounter with Modena at Milanello, and so it’s been opportunities to simply find our rhythm and flow heading into more difficult challenges.
Difficult tests needed and on the way for Milan
With all due respect to Pro Sesto and Modena, the Rossoneri needed to be tested heading into the new season and so the level of opposition must, and is set to, step up.
We play Nice, Valencia, Real Madrid and Panathinakos to round things off in pre-season, and so it’s likely to ask more of the players moving forward to produce with the ultimate aim of being in peak condition for next month.
It’s a steady build up, and it could ultimately prove to be the ideal balance, particularly with the restrictions in place due to coronavirus as Milan do the best they can while we also await the return of our injured players and those who were involved in international football earlier this summer.
Rafael Leao working to make positive impression
While speculation continues to raise question marks over his future at Milan, Leao is working hard to showcase his quality in pre-season to earn his place in the squad moving forward.
The Portuguese forward has come under plenty of criticism during his time at the club thus far due to his inconsistent and lethargic displays, and so there is still a lot that he must prove.
Nevertheless, it’s a positive start to the new year and it’s hoped that it’s just the start of much more from him as if he does stay with us, we need to see him start to really fulfil his potential.
Brahim Diaz positive start to life as our No.10
Having secured his return to Milan and been given the responsibility of the No.10 shirt, it’s a big year for Brahim Diaz as we wait to see if he can step up and take his game to the next level.
His performance against Modena was positive, and so it’s hoped that he can build from that as he becomes a creative lynchpin in Stefano Pioli’s side.
The Spaniard has the technical quality and creative ability to be a playmaker in the final third and make things happen, but he’ll need to prove he can do it consistently and against top-level opposition with his goal this weekend a nice sneak peek at what he’s capable of in the final third.
Theo Hernandez impressive
Hernandez hasn’t wasted any time to show his class this summer, as he has been at it in the first two games and capped it off with a stunning goal against Modena.
Again, it has to be reiterated that we’ll face much more difficult opposition in the coming weeks and so this is not at his level to this point, but it’s great for his confidence as he builds towards that first game against Sampdoria on August 23.
Bennacer getting valuable pre-season run
After an injury-plagued campaign last year, it’s brilliant to see Ismael Bennacer getting a good run in the side as he needs the minutes to be at his absolute peak fitness wise for the start of the new season.
The 23-year-old was such a crucial figure for us the year before last, and his partnership with Franck Kessie was absolutely pivotal in our success on the pitch.
If he can get back to that level, perhaps even develop and improve his all-round game further, then that will be a huge boost for us. It’s hoped that he can come through unscathed and in top form in the remaining pre-season outings.
