Milan Player Ratings vs Empoli: Reijnders Reigns Supreme | OneFootball

Paulo Fonseca’s side took advantage of a foggy evening in Milan to return to winning ways in Serie A with a commanding 3-0 home win against bottom-half Empoli. Tijjani Reijnders stole the spotlight at Stadio San Siro with yet another brace this season, helping the Rossoneri arrest a two-game winless league streak.

After serving a one-game European ban in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League triumph at Slovan Bratislava, Alvaro Morata regained his place in Fonseca’s XI. The Spaniard replaced Tammy Abraham and broke the deadlock in the 21st minute with an instinctive finish, latching onto a rebound inside Empoli’s box to put Milan in front.

Christian Pulisic chested the ball down for Reijnders, who dispatched a thunderous half-volley into the bottom corner, firing Milan 2-0 up on the stroke of halftime. However, Empoli had their chances on either side of the break but couldn’t find a way past Mike Maignan, who didn’t have to make a single save.

Seeking a way back into the game, Empoli began leaving acres of spaces behind in the second half. It was only a matter of time before Milan would punish their visitors in transition. The third goal was all Reijnders, as the Dutchman picked up the ball at the halfway line and reached the edge of the box all alone before beating Devis Vasquez with a sublime finish.

Milan picked up an all-important win to whittle down the gap on the European spots to three points as we look at our player ratings.

Milan (4-3-3)

Mike Maignan – 6

Despite being jobless this evening, the French goalkeeper had misjudged several crosses, though that didn’t come back to bite him.

Emerson Royal – 6.5

Slotted in for Milan captain Davide Calabria and delivered another reassuring performance as his form at San Siro remains on the upward trajectory.

Matteo Gabbia – 7

Tonight’s spotless display was a fitting reward for the homegrown Milan defender’s recent contract extension, as he didn’t put a foot wrong all game.

Malick Thiaw – 6

The German’s form oscillations are concerning. After several impressive showings, he looked sloppy again, especially when asked to link up in the build-up play.

Theo Hernandez – 7

The superstar left-back was superb defensively, while his special connection with Rafael Leao caused Empoli’s backline all sorts of problems.

Yunus Musah – 6.5

The USMNT midfielder doesn’t lack energy and determination, but he must find composure and get a better sense of the game, often misplacing his passes or waiting too long to get rid of the ball.

Tijjani Reijnders – 8

Decisive! In addition to a well-taken first goal and a phenomenal solo run for the second, the Dutch playmaker was omnipresent in the build-up, pulling all the strings in the middle of the park.

Youssouf Fofana – 7

With Reijnders shouldering the creative burden alone, the Frenchman took it upon himself to do the dirty work, sacrificing his attacking contribution to help out at the back.

Christian Pulisic – 7.5

Despite failing to get on the scoresheet, the quicksilver forward was instrumental in the attack, picking up a delightful assist and causing havoc among Empoli defenders when in possession.

Rafael Leao – 7

A bit lackadaisical at times, the Milan talisman had several dazzling moments but couldn’t concretize his effort.

Alvaro Morata – 7

Missed a few decent scoring chances but found a crucial breakthrough midway through the first half to set the tone for Milan’s victory.

Substitutes

Samuel Chukwueze – 5.5

Strahinja Pavlovic – 6.5

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6