Player Ratings: Empoli 1-3 AC Milan – Ballo-Toure and Rebic respond to criticism | OneFootball

AC Milan claimed all three points away at Empoli in a very dramatic fashion as they scored two goals late into injury time. Some players stood out, even if it was a very sloppy clash overall.

Starting XI

Tatarusanu (6): He made a good save on Bajrami 1v1 but questions marks can be raised with regards to his actions on Bajrami’s free-kick. He was expecting it over the wall and thus took a little step in the wrong direction, even if the shoot was good.

Calabria (6.5): He was solid when he was on the pitch, not afraid to drive inside with the ball and he was also good at the back. It’s a shame he got injured and it looks like he will be out for a while.

Kjaer (6): A bit slow at times and he certainly didn’t look 100%, as we found out later with the sub. But he was a warrior and did make more than one important block to deny Empoli.

Tomori (6.5): He grew a lot as the game went on as the start was incredibly sloppy on his part. But then he made one interception, and he followed that up with several good actions and tackles.

Ballo-Toure (7): It seems reactionary, and it might be a tad of that, but that goal is so important for Milan at this stage of the season. He did really well to get up there and make Milan superior numerically, and it paid off. Otherwise an average display.

Bennacer (6): There were times when he dropped down and started directing the play but we didn’t see enough of that. It wasn’t necessarily his fault but this game, with that pitch, didn’t allow him to shine at all.  Also committed the foul on Empoli’s goal.

Tonali (6): He was really smart to pick out Leao with a quick throw-in but other than that, we expect a bit more from him. It was a scrappy and physical game, in which Milan didn’t really have control of the midfield.

Saelemaekers (N/A): It was a bright start from him but he was forced to leave after 32 minutes with an injury. Hopefully, it’s nothing too serious.

De Ketelaere (6): His rating is saved by a few very good moments in the first half during which Milan perhaps should have scored. But we do expect more from him and this wasn’t the display we had been waiting for.

Leao (7.5 – MOTM): He was a bit sloppy at times but, let’s face it, he was the true source of creativity for Milan tonight. The first goal was all his and he was heavily involved in the second as well, plus scoring the third with a nasty dink.

Giroud (6): He hit the bar with a great free-kick and was a true focal point for Milan during his time on the pitch. He didn’t really get many chances, though, which wasn’t necessarily his fault.

Substitutes

Krunic (7): Calm and composed on the ball, playing out of position, he did really well tonight and also got the assist for Ballo-Toure’s crucial goal with a nice header.

Kalulu (5.5): Really not the Kalulu we are used to seeing, although he did play at right-back for most of the game. He looked better at CB but still not great.

Dest (N/A): We didn’t really see anything of him.

Diaz (5.5): Some good moments, some very bad moments.

Rebic (7): Right place at the right time for the first goal and it was a great pass to Leao for the third. He also disturbed the Empoli defence a lot.