Player Ratings: AC Milan 1-0 Tottenham – Kjaer and Thiaw unbeatable | OneFootball

AC Milan managed to build on their win against Torino as they beat Tottenham 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. Several players impressed and down below are the player ratings for the Rossoneri.

Starting XI

Tatarusanu (6.5): He wasn’t really forced to that many saves but stepped up when needed, keeping an important clean sheet. He was also very good in the air and commanded the penalty box, which was needed.

Kalulu (7): A very solid display from the young Frenchman who barely put a foot wrong. Tottenham attacked more on their right flank but still, when he was called upon, he got the job done and partnered up well with Saelemaekers.

Kjaer (8): He did exactly what was needed against a player like Kane; stop him at all costs. He stayed close to the Englishman and made life difficult throughout the game, even if another referee probably would have booked the Dane in the first half.

Thiaw (8 – MOTM): It was another fantastic performance from the German as he not only won more or less all of his duels, but he also impressed with his distribution (hockey assist for the first goal). He would have got a higher rating if it wasn’t for the miss from close range towards the end.

Saelemaekers (6.5): Another good outing from the former Anderlecht man, especially in the defensive phase. His ability to shift from defending to attacking is why Calabria had to start on the bench again.

Krunic (6.5): He was unfortunate to get a few cheap fouls against him but did well otherwise. His presence in the middle, mainly in the defensive phase, helped Milan neutralise the opponents effectively.

Tonali (7): Much better this time out from the boyhood Milan fan, giving everything from start to finish. We saw a lot more of his passing and he was also quite successful when he went forward, which won Milan the midfield battle.

Hernandez (7.5): A very important performance from him, which frankly silenced the recent rumours about his dedication. He got the crucial assist after winning an aerial duel and he was a constant threat to Spurs down the left-hand side.

Diaz (7.5): He shouldn’t just be praised for the goal, even if that turned out to be the winner, but his ability to break the lines and shake things up really helped Milan. He’s also good in tight areas and that showed in many 50-50 fights for the ball.

Leao (7.5): He looked like a completely different player tonight compared to recent weeks as he not only managed to cause issues for the opponents in attack, but he also tracked back on numerous occasions. He nearly got a lovely assist for Thiaw and came close to a goal himself.

Giroud (6.5): Nothing spectacular from the experienced striker but he ended up winning many duels out there. This was important as Tottenham seemed a bit frustrated.

Substitutes

De Ketelaere (6): He nearly got a goal but his header was blocked by the defenders. Decent otherwise.

Messias (6): He added some energy on the right flank and that was just what Milan needed at the time.

Pobega (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.

Rebc (N/A): He didn’t play enough to get a rating.