De Winter heading for fifth start in six games: recent growth is evident

"Koni De Winter is heading for his fifth start in the last six games, and although there were concerns initially, the former Genoa man has grown into his role. Ahead of the January window, more specifically after the games against Sassuolo and Napoli (Supercoppa), there was a lot of discussion about the centre-back position at Milan. De Winter, who arrived for around €20m in the summer, hadn't exactly impressed at that point."

"Indeed, if there were initially concerns about De Winter, these have almost vanished after some very good performances by the 23-year-old. Against Cagliari and Como, he got a 6.5/10 in our player ratings and was also solid against Fiorentina with a 6/10. It might sound a bit silly to talk about growth when there haven't been any hugely standout performances, but the reality is that Milan only needed him to get to an acceptable standard (and perhaps a little more)."

"Above all, he struggled in the physical battles, often losing out even when strikers had their backs towards the goal. However, over two weeks have passed and Milan still have't signedf a centre-back, which the Belgian might have something to do with. After all, solidity is what his position requires in Massimiliano Allegri's system. Against Lecce tomorrow, it looks like he will get the chance again, which would be his fifth start in six games."

Koni De Winter is set for his fifth start in six games and has grown into the Milan centre-back role after initial concerns. He arrived for around €20m in the summer and initially struggled in physical battles, often losing duels with strikers. Over the past two weeks Milan have not signed a centre-back, and De Winter's improvement may explain that. He produced solid performances against Cagliari, Como and Fiorentina, earning ratings of 6.5/10 and 6/10. Massimiliano Allegri's system requires solidity and De Winter has reached an acceptable standard. He is expected to start against Lecce while Strahinja Pavlovic manages a head wound.

Read at SempreMilan