Dida certain Milan ‘will return to the top’, Reijnders and Leao make the difference | OneFootball

Former Milan and Brazil goalkeeper Dida was full of optimism when discussing the Rossoneri in a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, explaining that it is ‘part of the club’s tradition’ to return to the top of Serie A and fight for the Scudetto.

The two-time Champions League winner was also full of praise for current Rossoneri stars Rafael Leao, Tijjani Reijnders and goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who he believes are the difference makers in Paulo Fonseca’s squad.

Dida: ‘Tradition’ for Milan to return to the top of Serie A

Milan are currently 10 points off Napoli at the top of the Serie A table, and sit in seventh place on 22 points, but they have played one game fewer than the vast majority of the other teams in the division.

There was renewed optimism among the Rossoneri fanbase after an encouraging 3-0 win over Empoli in Serie A at the weekend, Milan’s first victory in the division since the 1-0 win over Monza at the start of November.

“It was a great performance in a season that has started with ups and downs,” Dida told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I think I’m seeing more confidence and better communication between the staff and players. I hope this growth continues and the results get better and better.”

epa11750076 Milan�s Tijjani Reijnders (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring the 3-0 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Empoli FC, in Milan, Italy, 30 November 2024. EPA-EFE/Daniel Dal Zennaro

Dida went on to explain that there is ‘no point’ in thinking about the Scudetto as things stand, as Milan are better off taking things one game at a time for the time being.

“There’s no point in looking at the table, we need to think game by game, point by point,” he said.

“We need to find consistency in our performances, which has been missing so far, but I’m optimistic in this respect. The defensive phases are getting better and Milan will return to the top, as is tradition for this club. The Rossoneri will also be big players in the Champions League and Coppa Italia.”

Scorer of two of Milan’s three goals against Empoli was midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who is reportedly in discussions with the club over a new contract extension after an impressive run of personal form in 2024-25.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Empoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 30, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“He’s a great midfielder, one of the best around. He does everything so well and is also contributing with finishes in the attacking phase,” Dida said.

On Leao he added: “ I notice him looking happier, and if Rafa stays on form and smiling, he can really make the difference. He is a fundamental player in this team and its important that he feels the trust.”

And for Maignan, Dida is completely confident he can become the best stopper in the world.

“I have no doubts about Mike because I trained him and I am convinced that he will become one of the best in the world. He is very strong between the posts and Fonseca’s style, which involves him even more, will help his skill with the ball at his feet.”