AC Milan hope to go one better and lift the Serie A trophy in 2024/25, and with that in mind, they have built one of the strongest sides in the country. We take a look at their star players and most promising youngsters to see who could take them back to the top, and perhaps even provide European glory in the Champions League.
Key Squad Members – Pillars of Milan’s Team
Milan have accumulated a wealth of experience and talent in midfield and attack. Alvaro Morata, Luka Jovic, Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham provide speed, clinical finishing and technique up front. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a strong physical presence as well as an elegant operator in midfield. At the back, Fikayo Tomori and Theo Hernandez are two of the best defenders in the league.
Player Profiles – Stats and Achievements
Alvaro Morata: The 32-year-old Spanish international has scored everywhere he has been. With 37 international goals, he scored 21 in 48 last season for Atletico Madrid, and in both two-year spells in Serie A in Juventus, he scored at least 12 goals a season. Dangerous with his head and with a powerful physique, he is capable of leading the line. The experienced striker has two Champions Leagues, two Ligas, two Serie A titles, the Europa League and European Championship on his CV, amongst other titles.
Christian Pulisic: After struggling at Chelsea (his highest return for a season was eight goals in 2021/22), Captain America has been reborn at AC Milan. On course to exceed his 15 goals from last season, the versatile forward has found his place in the team in Milan, and has now started to provide both regular and important goals, while featuring one both wings and through the middle.
Rafael Leao: Rumoured to be wanted by many of the biggest sides in Europe, another impressive season could attract big-money bids for the pacey Portuguese forward. His pace allows him to operate down the wings and through the middle, and as he gains experience he becomes ever more impressive when facing the goalkeeper. The 25-year-old reached double figures in each of his last three seasons (14, 16, 15) with the club, but needs to spark back into life for the remainder of the season.
Emerging Talents – Young Stars on the Rise
AC Milan have been famous for bringing through some of the best young Italian talent in recent decades, but with the increasingly globalised nature of world football, the team have three foreign youngsters who could emerge as world greats.
Yunus Musah: The 21-year-old American midfielder is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the world in his position. The New Yorker joined last season from Valencia after coming through their youth team, and has 43 caps for the USMNT, having also trained with Arsenal in his early years. The prospect has pedigree, and after playing 40 goals last season, all he needs to add to his game is goals.
Malick Thiaw: The 23-year-old German joined a couple of years ago from Schalke, and he made 30 appearances for AC Milan last season, while establishing himself in the national team. He has emerged as a key figure alongside Fikayo Tomori at centre-back. He will reportedly cost Milan a maximum of seven million euros, and has already proved to be a bargain.
Strahinja Pavlovic: The imposing 6′ 4″ Serbian international joined from Red Bull Salzburg in the summer for 18 million euros, and has inherited Jaap Stam’s No. 31 jersey. With his size and strength, he has already drawn comparisons to the legendary Dutchman. Aged just 23, perhaps he could become even better.
Tactical Significance – Player Roles and Strategies
Rafael Leao can be thought of as vital for AC Milan’s approach , as his speed and goals from the wing allow the team to stretch the backline across the pitch, and open up spaces for others around him.
In order to make the most of that, Alvaro Morata has to be at the peak of his game, with Tammy Abraham also now an established figure in Serie A football after his time in the Premier League.
Christian Pulisic is essential for the system to function as he has the nous and guile to fill in anywhere he is needed, to set up his team-mates and to convert their assists .
At the back, Theo Hernandez provides real quality and width, with Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw and Strahinja Pavlovic all able to operate whether they are asked to play with three or four at the back by AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca.
Fan Engagement – Socios.com and Milan Fan Tokens
AC Milan Fan Tokens are digital assets that let you turn your support into rewards. As a Fan Token holder, you will get the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, unique rewards, and other kinds of prizes that reward your passionate lifelong support for your team. Fan Tokens will let you take part in official club polls, predict results, pick your favourite players and even more, all while earning reward points to help you win Fan Rewards.
