To the delight of many fans, the international break has come to an end. With that, club football returns, including AC Milan’s Champions League race in Serie A. For the Rossoneri, there have been a few standout performers during the break, as listed below.
However, before moving on to the top three players, let’s take a look at which players were called up for international duty. Gattuso sent 11 men away in total, five of which are Italian. Donnarumma and Romagnoli were called up to the senior team, while Calabria and Cutrone joined the U-21 side. Goalkeeper Plizzari, on the other hand, played for the U-20 team.
Calhanoglu (Turkey), Laxalt (Uruguay), Kessie (Ivory Coast), Paqueta (Brazil), Piatek (Poland) and Rodriguez (Switzerland) were also called into action for their respective National team. With that said, let’s take a look at the top three performers.
Calhanoglu – Turkey
The midfielder, who has struggled with AC Milan thus far, really showed his worth during the break. He played his side’s first game from start, facing Albania, and scored the goal which sealed the 2-0 win after a brilliant solo run. He also started the second game against Moldovia, putting on a show as he assisted a goal with a bicycle kick.
In other words, a successful week for the attacking midfielder, and Milan fans will be hoping to see more of this against Sampdoria this weekend, as well as for the remainder of the season.
Paqueta – Brazil
The 21-year-old continues to impress. Arriving at Milan in January, he has been vital for Gattuso’s team, offering something that the side previously lacked as a result of the injury to Bonaventura. Wearing the number 10 shirt, he certainly didn’t disappoint for Brazil.
In fact, just 32 minutes into the first game (friendly with Panama), Paqueta scored the opener in a very similar fashion to his first goal for Milan, arriving at the back post. He played from start against the Czech Republic as well, though he was replaced at half-time.
Piatek – Poland
Who else but Krzysztof? The striker continues to score goals left, right and centre, although he wasn’t given the chance from start straight away. Poland were in need of a goal against Austria as they pushed for the lead, and decided to introduce Piatek in the 59th minute. Just like clockwork, the Milan striker gave his side the lead (and the win) ten minutes later, proving why he should start over Milik.
Against Latvia, he played from start along with Lewandowski up front. Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet in that game, he certainly showed how important he can be when it matters the most. Hopefully, he can continue this positive trend in Serie A, as the race for the top goalscorer is getting tougher by the week.
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