5 things from AC Milan's stalemate with Torino
Welcome to the 5 Things recap by theScore's Anthony Lopopolo, which highlights AC Milan's performances over the 2018-19 season. Here, a breakdown of Milan's 0-0 draw with Torino.
1. Milan blow chance to consolidate 4th place
Yet another opportunity wasted for the Rossoneri. This team has a tendency to drop its level every time there's a chance to strengthen its position in the table. With Lazio and Roma each conceding late equalizers this weekend and Inter losing, Milan could've moved within one point of third place, but the breakthrough never arrived. To their credit, Torino made life extremely difficult for Milan, playing an aggressive game from the start that forced the hosts to defend more than they would've liked at home. Milan only registered three shots on target, and even then, their best chance came at the very end when Patrick Cutrone hooked a close-range effort wide.
2. Higuain indecisive once again
Gonzalo Higuain is never short on effort or passion. But at a certain point, a striker has to be judged by the number of goals he's scored, and he's just not doing enough in the penalty area to escape criticism. Higuain made just two touches in the 18-yard box, which is a paltry number for a striker of his caliber. He dropped too deep, sometimes looking more like a deep-lying playmaker than a forward. Higuain also made some poor decisions on the ball, ignoring teammates in better scoring positions. He has to play with a bit more cynicism.
3. Donnarumma keeps Torino at bay
The difference Sunday was Gianluigi Donnarumma, who produced four wonderful saves to keep Milan's second clean sheet of the season. It seems like he's finally playing with a clear mind, without the distractions that weighed him down last year. Donnarumma used his great reflexes to deny Iago Falque just minutes after kick-off and parried away a low drive that seemed destined for goal. It's a nice period for the teenager, and it's time he gets some love from previously critical Milan supporters.
4. Calhanoglu's disappointing year continues
Hakan Calhanoglu isn't playing well enough to be a starter. He lost possession a game-high 10 times against Torino and never looked convincing or threatening on the ball. He made just one switch of play that stood out. That's not good enough. The range of passing Calhanoglu showed in his first season at Milan has simply vanished. Milan can't afford to have any passengers over the next few months.
5. Suso too hot and cold
No one can dispute Suso's massive role at Milan. He's leading the top five leagues in assists and he's always ready to take on defenders. But he's yet to find consistency on a weekly basis. Suso has struggled to make an impact since being shut out by Juventus in early November. It's great that he's using his weaker right foot more often, but it's still a little too easy for defenders to mark him out of the game. He's also missed some goal-scoring opportunities, scuffing a big chance at a crucial moment of Sunday's match. Milan need Suso to be more effective in the final third.