Milan Player Ratings vs Como: Theo & Leao Are Back

Milan pulled off another sensational second-half comeback, beating Serie A newcomers Como 2-1 at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. After a heartbreaking 1-1 draw against Cagliari, Sergio Conceicao posted his first league triumph in charge of the Rossoneri.

However, like in the Supercoppa Italiana, it couldn’t pan out without a drama. Both sides had decent chances in the first half but failed to find the net, with Tijjani Reijnders wasting the visitors’ best chance in the 23rd minute.

Second-half substitute Alejandro Jimenez spurned a golden chance to put Milan in front early in the second half. Minutes after his miss, Cesc Fabregas’ side punished the 19-time Italian champions as Assane Diao beat Mike Maignan at the near post.

With only 30 minutes left on the clock, Milan seemed in another near-impossible situation. But Theo Hernandez initiated the comeback with a delightful lofted finish in the 71st minute before Rafael Leao completed the turnaround with a sublime chip over Jean Butez.

Milan had to survive a late scare to take three points as Maignan pulled off a superb save to thwart Patrick Cutrone’s close-range attempt. Back to winning ways in Serie A, Conceicao’s men have reignited their slim hopes of securing a top-four finish.

Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.

Milan (4-3-3)

Mike Maignan – 7

Whether he could’ve done better to stop Diao’s goal is debatable. However, his stunning leg save to deny Cutrone rescued Milan.

Theo Hernandez – 7.5

His uptick in form under Conceicao is outstanding. An inch-perfect volley was the fitting reward for another vintage Theo performance.

Malick Thiaw – 6

The German’s game is brimming with insecurity. Erratic passes and mistimed tackles highlighted another dismal evening for the youngster.

Fikayo Tomori – 7

Like Theo, the Englishman is enjoying a renaissance under the new manager. He fared well against Cutrone, dominating the Italian striker in the air while making several crucial tackles.

Emerson Royal – 7

It feels like the Brazilian’s confidence is growing. He was omnipresent in the final third, attempting several crosses and nearly scoring in the first half.

Youssouf Fofana – 6

The Frenchman improved on a disastrous showing against Cagliari but had almost no impact in the opposition’s half.

Ismael Bennacer – 7

With Fofana watching his back, the diminutive midfielder had all the freedom to distribute the ball around with plan and purpose. Still a bit rusty after a long-term injury.

Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5

Though he had his moments, he was too nonchalant in that one-on-one situation midway through the first half when he should’ve scored.

Rafael Leao – 7.5

The Milan superstar shines bright in the post-Paulo Fonseca era. It was a clinical finish under pressure, not to mention he ended Edoardo Goldaniga’s career.

Alvaro Morata – 5.5

Perhaps Conceicao could move him to the bench. After all, his best career performances came as a substitute.

Christian Pulisic – 6

Full of energy in the first half, the USMNT forward had to come off at halftime due to another fitness problem.

Substitutes

Tammy Abraham – 7

Yunus Musah – 6

Alejandro Jimenez – 6.5

Matteo Gabbia – 7

Francesco Camarda – 5.5

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