The derby is not only a game where the form book can often go out of the window but also one where it can provide a reset and a chance for players to stake a claim for a spot that they couldn’t against other opponents.
As Calciomercato.com write, there were some big positives seen on the field, first of all the collective spirit and cohesion the team showed. This is a factor that then translated into a performance of great personality and to a reaction to the goal conceded by Dimarco with the many chances created in the second half.
The Portuguese coach did his part with some logical but also courageous choices, from the exclusion of Ruben Loftus-Cheek to the inclusion of Tammy Abraham in a pair with Alvaro Morata. The growth of some key players such as Matteo Gabbia, Emerson Royal and Youssouf Fofana also helped.
Milan have a deep squad designed specifically to best face a season where the calendar is too full of commitments. The derby risks redrawing some hierarchies starting with Gabbia, who was in the line-up from minute one and now seems an immovable starter.
The understanding between Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders doesn’t help Loftus-Cheek’s cause, who could also see himself overtaken by Yunus Musah who has characteristics closer to the former Monaco player in transition.
Also interesting is the parable of Abraham who went from a luxury reserve to now being candidate to play a lot, probably even more than Noah Okafor in the two-striker system. Playing with two strikers more regularly might see Luka Jovic and Okafor get more minutes due to rotation, though.
As for Emerson Royal, however, it served as a confirmation that at the moment he has an advantage over Davide Calabria despite the fact he has just arrived and he is battling the club captain for the right-back spot.
