After promising early signs of his potential, AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah is starting to cement his place in the starting XI.
Having been gradually integrated into the side, but particularly now with Ruben Loftus-Cheek sidelined by injury, the 20-year-old USA international has a real opportunity to make his mark in our midfield.
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With three starts in our last four games across all competitions, the sense of trust from Stefano Pioli is building, and Musah has shown he’s capable of playing a pivotal role.
In five Serie A appearances, he has a 92% pass accuracy, 13 balls recovered, three shots, all of which have tested the goalkeeper while he’s won 12 duels.
His energy, tenacity and technical ability have all stood out, and it’s good to see him getting a run in the side now to showcase his quality and become an integral part of our midfield trio.
Aside from his own attributes and strengths, there’s a good balance in that area of the pitch alongside Tijjani Reinjders and Yacine Adli in particular, and it’s hoped that they can be both effective and efficient this weekend when we go in search of three points at Genoa.
The expectation is that Musah will start again, and so it’s another opportunity for him to prove his importance in the Milan XI, with his combativeness and ability to cover so much ground also vital in helping us get a foothold in games and dictate tempo and possession.
These are all important characteristics to fit what Pioli wants from his side, and if Musah can add to the quality we have in the final third to make a decisive impact when attacking down that right side, it will be another welcome boost from a player growing in stature and importance.
It’s a crucial period for him with Loftus-Cheek expected back after the upcoming international break, while the likes of Rade Krunic and Ismael Bennacer will add to the competition as the campaign progresses.
In turn, he’s got a chance now to solidify his place in the Milan side, and based on what we’ve seen from him thus far, with his versatility another added bonus, there’s confidence that he’ll continue to impress and play a key role in our solid domestic form, and hopefully our improved results in Europe when the Champions League resumes later this month.
Milan face Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli in the space of seven days to end October, and if Musah can hit top form and impose himself on those games from midfield, it could be a key aspect of coming through that difficult schedule in good shape.