GdS: Battle of the French midfielders as Milan and Roma prepare for crucial clash

"Tomorrow's clash between AC Milan and Roma will offer some exciting player battles, especially in midfield where two Frenchmen have been making their mark lately. As highlighted by today's edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, the game will bring us an interesting battle in midfield between two competitors: Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné. Both were born in the outskirts of Paris, one north and one south of the capital, and they have become key players for the national team."

"Today, having made San Siro his home, Rabiot has become an irreplaceable player for the Rossoneri and the focal point of the midfield. With him on the pitch, Milan have never lost: Allegro's only defeat came in the Serie A opener against Cremonese, when the Frenchman hadn't joined yet. With Rabiot in the starting eleven, Milan have played thirteen games, winning ten and drawing three. Furthermore, the point in Florence was earned only after the Rossoneri's No.12 had entered the game."

"The above is far from a coincidence: the midfielder brings quality, muscle, and above all leadership. Rabiot is second only to Luka Modric in terms of the average Gazzetta dello Sport rating (6.78 to 6.65) and career trophies (34 for Luka, 21 for Adrien). Regardless of whether he's playing as a playmaker or an attacking midfielder, he provides class and physicality. Against Como, he took his tally for the season up to three goals. Speaking of numbers, he cost Milan around €15m and today, at 30 years old, he's worth triple that."

Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné meet in midfield as AC Milan face Roma with a Champions League spot at stake. Both players hail from Paris suburbs and have become regulars for the national team, having played together six times under Didier Deschamps, including the 3-1 San Siro win over Italy when Rabiot scored twice. Rabiot has become indispensable at Milan, remaining unbeaten when on the pitch: with him starting Milan have 10 wins and 3 draws from 13 matches. Rabiot provides quality, physicality, leadership, and has three season goals after costing about €15m. Koné wants revenge.

Read at SempreMilan