CorSport: How Milan’s new formation could help resurgence of Leao and Theo | OneFootball

Sergio Conceicao used a three-man defence against Udinese and the result was a 4-0 win. Above all, two players seemed to be unlocked.

As Corriere dello Sport (via MilanPress) reports this morning, one win against a mid-table side is not enough to talk about the new formation being a permanent fix. However, there were many positive signs, from the solidity at the back to the performance of individuals.

The 3-4-3 system seemed to give Milan more balance, as it removed the attacking midfielder in favour of an extra centre-back, resulting in just a fourth clean sheet since Conceicao arrived. However, this wasn’t at the expense of attacking threat.

The left-sided duo of Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez were another positive note on the night at the Stadio Friuli, as the former got a goal and an assist while the latter scored too. They have not had the easiest season, with inconsistent performances, but Milan need them.

The Frenchman, thanks to the change in formation, seemed freer to move. A few less defensive tasks helped him, with more license to push up the field and exploit his best qualities, which remain his pace and athleticism.

Leao meanwhile did not have a vastly different role compared to normal but also played a bit further up, and seemed to also benefit from a license to roam and occupy more central areas.