2020-2021 season opener: Milan - Bologna September 21 20:45

[xudong]

What really excites me about this team is seeing how our players have grown. People like Kessie, Calhanoglu, Calabria, Bennacer etc. aren't just promising talents anymore, they've turned into very good fotball players, able to hold their own against pretty much anyone. It's starting to become apparent why they were brought to Milan in the first place. We actually have a really good squad now.
I noticed Mihajlovic said Ibra was the big difference between the two teams, but to be honest I think we had this match under complete control from the beginning until about 20 minutes from full time, when I think we ran out of steam a bit. Defensively we were pressing better than they did, and we were better on the ball as well. It wasn't just Ibra, the team as a whole made the difference.
That said, there's still plenty of room for improvement. We can definitely move and pass the ball better than we did today, so I think we can actually have a very good season this year, and I don't think we're inferior to anyone.

+2

[nefremo]

I watched the 1st goal in full again...and we had 35/36 touches on the ball without losing possession. It was brilliant stuff. But one thing that stood out was that Bennacer twice in that sequence hit a 40 meter diagonal pass to switch the field, advance the ball, stretch Bologna and keep them running. The second diagonal especially, the one to Calabria, was so spot on and in a tight space. The important part here is that these are not passes he would have even attempted last season, especially pre-Covid. We've always known he had this ability, but these are things you only do with confidence.

This is really telling about what confidence can do to players. Hopefully we keep going like this. Hopefully these players now realize how good they are and hopefully that doesn't change after a few negative results this season.

[xudong]

confidence, or competition (from #8), or maybe a little of both?

[nefremo]

confidence, or competition (from #8), or maybe a little of both?

  Whatever it is, it's working.

Anyway, about Tonali...he's gonna have to do some serious work to displace Bennacer or Kessie. Those two are absolute beasts. But, even if he doesn't manage to disppace them but is able to replace them whenever needed and still keep a high level, it works for me. 

I hope Pioli makes a couple changes midweek in the EL with Tonali and Diaz. I know it's an important game, but this is why we got these guys, right? 
I can see him not changing anything though and instead rotating vs Crotone on Sunday. Eigher way would be fine I guess.