Milan Player Ratings vs Udinese: Leao Runs Show in Udine | OneFootball

Milan strolled to a scintillating 4-0 win at Udinese to temporarily close the gap to fourth-placed Bologna in the Serie A standings. Despite recovering from a 2-1 loss at Napoli, tonight’s emphatic performance at the Bluenergy Stadium may have come too little too late for the Rossoneri faithful.

Tired legs after an intense 1-1 draw against Inter in midweek Coppa Italia action failed to throw a spanner in the works as Milan delivered arguably their best performance under Sergio Conceicao. Despite waiting for the opening goal until late in the first half, last season’s runners-up tore Kosta Runjaic’s side apart in Udine.

Rafael Leao opened the scoring with a delightful first-time effort from the edge of the box to break the deadlock in the 42nd minute. Only two minutes later, Strahinja Pavlovic made it 2-0, outjumping Jaka Bijol inside the six-yard box to meet Christian Pulisic’s corner-kick delivery and put Milan in firm control of the match.

However, Milan lost star goalkeeper Mike Maignan to injury at the start of the second half as a nasty collision with Alejandro Jimenez forced Conceicao to bring on Marco Sportiello. The Frenchman’s withdrawal didn’t derail the team’s morale as they continued to dominate the game.

Theo Hernandez scored a ‘vintage Theo’ goal in the 74th minute to triple the visitors’ advantage before Tijjani Reijnders completed Udinese’s fiasco on home turf with his tenth Serie A goal this season. Milan came within six points of Bologna, but a fifth consecutive top-four finish looks highly unlikely.

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

Milan (3-4-3)

Mike Maignan – 7

The French keeper only had to make one challenging save in the first half, but it was a stunning reflex to thwart Kingsley Ehizibue at 0-0. Hopefully, he’ll recover soon.

Fikayo Tomori – 6

The Englishman’s stuttering form luckily didn’t come to the fore in Milan’s new-look formation, though his showing hardly brimmed with confidence.

Matteo Gabbia – 6.5

No-nonsense defending from the Italian center-back saw him make several routine interventions and help Pavlovic neutralize Lorenzo Lucca.

Strahinja Pavlovic – 7.5

The goal was a fitting reward for the Serbian defender’s brilliant performance as he made light work of the in-form Lucca.

Theo Hernandez – 7.5

Milan fans had to wait for almost four months for this moment. Theo returned to his rampaging best down the left flank, reminding everyone why he’s one of the world’s elite full-backs.

Youssouf Fofana – 7

In addition to his usual defensive contribution, the ex-Monaco midfielder registered an assist to cap off a promising performance.

Tijjani Reijnders – 7

Though the Dutchman often scores a ‘highlight-type’ of goals, Leao made it simple for him tonight, as he only had to turn the ball home from point-blank range.

Alejandro Jimenez – 6.5

Filled in for the injured Kyle Walker, the young gun fared reasonably well in defense. His tricky feet and acceleration made him a threat in attack, but he must work on his composure.

Rafael Leao – 8

Had only Milan had Leao in this kind of form the whole season… The Bluenergy Stadium had the pleasure of watching one of Europe’s finest wingers at his best!

Christian Pulisic – 6.5

Despite picking up another assist, the USMNT forward wasn’t as influential as in recent outings, drifting in and out of the game.

Luka Jovic – 6

A lack of service in the box must have frustrated the former Fiorentina striker, but he showed a commendable attitude, fighting tooth and nail for every possession.

Substitutes

Marco Sportiello – 6.5

Riccardo Sottil – 5.5