AC Milan failed to clinch three points in their Serie A opener, in fact they didn’t even clinch one, as Cremonese won. Below are the player ratings for the Rossoneri.
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out how we decide the player ratings. From the scale to what affects the rating, we have compiled everything there.
Starting XI
Maignan (6): He made a good stop on Bonazzoli in the first half, but was left for dead on the goals. Those were the only three shots on target as well, so the rating makes sense if you ask me.
Tomori (6): He seemed more interested in waving his arms around than actually playing at times, complaining about his teammates’ movement. Having said that, he defended well so it would have been harsh not to give him a pass here.
Gabbia (5.5): You could definitely make the argument that it was solid most of the time, with some good interceptions and clearances to note. However, there were also some questionable moments and I don’t think he commands the penalty box well enough. Milan need a leader at the back, clearly.
Pavlovic (6): Considering that he scored the goal, you might be a bit surprised by the average rating. However, it’s simply because he made a very big mistake in the first half that could have proved costly, while he was a bit sloppy on the ball overall. Questions can also be asked on the first goal, even if he was marking another player.
Saelemaekers (6.5): Milan looked dire going forward in the first half, and for large parts of the second too, but the Belgian was one of few glimpses in attack. It was great work on the goal as well, and his work-rate helped him a lot when moving up and down the flank.
Loftus-Cheek (5): He was incredibly quiet in the first half, with little to no movement in the build-up phase. Sure, he made his way into the box every now and then, but the end product just wasn’t there. Frankly, I’m struggling to see what purpose he fills in this team.
Modric (7 – MOTM): It wasn’t the debut he had hoped for result-wise, but his actual performance was very good. From his passing to the distance covered, it was all very impressive from him tonight, and Milan relied on him a lot. He came somewhat close to a goal as well with a thumping effort on the edge of the box.
Fofana (4.5): He consistently finds good positions to occupy, but the end product is far too poor for a player with his position. Once again, we got to see some very poor shots (only one or two decent ones) and that is just unacceptable. Then, he lazily left Bonazzoli unmarked in the box on Cremonese’s second goal, which his teammates were quick to point out.
Estupinan (6): It was a pretty poor display in possession for most of that first half, truth be told, and he struggled a bit in the duels with Zerbin. It was a nice cross to assist the goal, though, and that saves his rating here.
Gimenez (5.5): We can’t fault him for his work-rate, as he fought tirelessly with Baschirotto, and he also had a couple of decent shots. Still, not enough was done in 90 minutes and he also missed a big chance towards the end.
Pulisic (5.5): I’m ready to get the hate for this, but when you consider that he saw a lot of the ball and often in decent positions too, there just wasn’t enough coming from him tonight. Saelemaekers switched over to the left once and helped create the goal. A few decent corners, but in open play he really struggled against Cremonese’s low defence.
Substitutes
Jimenez (5.5): We got to see him use his pace in the trademark fashion a few times but the rating is heavily affected by a very unnecessary yellow card, screaming in the referee’s face.
Chukwueze (6): Some good moments from him, in the usual way he creates chances, and it did open up space for his teammates.
Jashari (5.5): He added some energy to the game and certainly tried to make things happen, but he was too rash in the duels, which allowed Cremonese to win free-kicks and slow down the game.
