‘Running, tackling and clarity’ – Bennacer praised by media for performance vs. Girona | OneFootball

Ismael Bennacer has had good and bad spells in games since coming back from a lengthy injury, but his performance against Girona was a reminder of what he can do.

For a second consecutive season due to a second consecutive serious injury, Bennacer has had to give everything and more to recover ahead of time and be able to return to help his team-mates. Having sustained a problem back in August, his full return came at the end of December.

The Algerian was understandably rusty in his first few outings, looking a bit off the pace but also sloppy in possession. Yesterday, however, Bennacer was one of the best on the pitch for Milan and he also had a hand in the winning moment.

With 37 minutes on the clock, Milan got the goal that their pressure had suggested was coming, pressure the former Empoli man helped build. Bennacer initiated a quick counter-press and won the ball back in midfield, sliding it to Rafael Leao who did the rest.

Of course the important thing now is for Bennacer to demonstrate that he can play consistently at a level like that, but the fact he was the best of the midfield three says a lot. MilanPress have compiled the ratings from the papers.

Gazzetta dello Sport (7): “He recovers the ball and then provides the assist for Leao’s goal. He adds running, tackling and clarity: he is improving and can be very useful.”

Corriere dello sport (6.5): “He returns to being decisive with an assist for Leao, a play that restores his morale and confidence for the future after difficult months.”

Tuttosport (6.5): “A perfect assist for Leao’s opener: he fights in midfield and makes his weight felt. Improving condition.”