MN: Intensity, balance and assists – Fofana back to being ‘main engine’ of Milan’s midfield | OneFootball

One of the sub-plots to AC Milan’s recent change in formation that has gone unnoticed is the resurgence of Youssouf Fofana in midfield.

With the switch to the 3-4-3, MilanNews point out how Fofana has become an added resource for Sergio Conceicao in the season final, after a period of physiological period of physical decline, mostly likely due to exhaustion.

The Frenchman is back to making the difference in the heart of the Rossoneri midfield. He arrived at Milan last summer from Monaco to ensure balance in the department and also quality in possession, is once again making a decisive impact.

Fofana: the all-rounder

Having recovered from a more difficult period form-wise, he is once again showing himself to be one of the few bright spots from the 2024 summer mercato. Fofana was very good against Venezia and before that excellent in the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter.

What Fofana brings is not just defensive work rate, though. With six assists in Serie A, the ex-Monaco man is currently Milan’s top assist man along with Christian Pulisic (nine in total), a figure that demonstrates his growing influence in the attacking phase as well.

The 26-year-old’s contribution goes far beyond the numbers: Fofana is the tactical linchpin of the Milan midfield, a classic box-to-box capable of dictating the tempo of the game and at the same time breaking down the opponent’s plots with great effectiveness.

His return to the levels of the beginning of the season is excellent news for the Rossoneri, who are counting on his energy, vision and dynamism in view of the end of the season. With a Fofana like this, the midfield has rediscovered its main engine, and they hope to see it rev up in Rome.