2017: Milan’s Top 5 Players

2017 was a year to remember and forget for Milanisti. On the upside we’re in Europe, but on the downside we haven’t lived up to expectations. Who were the top 5 last year who were there when we needed it?

5. Franck Kessie

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I toyed with this one for awhile because of his Jekyll and Hyde performances, but for the most part he’s been everything we’ve been missing in the midfield defensively, and really he’s proven to be the best new signing thus far. Offensively he could use some work, but he’s making progress and is a nightmare for attackers to deal with. Arguments can easily be made for Paletta, Deulofeu, and even Cutrone, but Kessie earned this one with that 120 minute performance against Inter in the Coppa Italia.

4. Alessio Romagnoli

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Yes, I know he was consistently out earlier in the year, but the performances have been there for Romagnoli this season other than a few blips here and there. He’s made offensive contributions in dire situations, completely marked Icardi out of the prior Coppa Italia matchup, and been calm and collected in the back when called upon. Look for an even better second half of the season from him as he strengthens the partnership with Bonucci in the back.

3. Giacomo Bonaventura

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He’s given his all for the red and blacks and it has shown on and off the stat sheet, and he even missed the second half of the season last year. He’s one of those players that everyone around the world respects because of his loyalty and dedication to the club, a club that he should truthfully be the captain of. Perhaps his consistent injuries come from carrying Milan on his back for long periods, but the next two on the list have made what I feel is a stronger contribution to the side.

2. Suso

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If he’s having a bad day, typically Milan is having a bad day altogether. When Bonaventura was absent last season due to injury, it was Suso who took matters into his own hands, providing the creative spark we desperately needed. He’s a constant threat on that right side and you can make a lengthy highlight reel of the times he’s laughably sent defenders the wrong way, only to punish them with a goal or assist. Suso takes the top spot among offensive play makers, and I’m sure that’s not a surprise for most.

1. Gianluigi Donnarumma

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Are you surprised? I’d sure hope not. Donnarumma may have had some off the field drama, but his on the field contributions are known to all. He is the reason we finally won silverware with the Supercoppa, earned a Europa spot, and haven’t dropped more points this year. Sure there’s times where his keeping can be a bit suspect, but he’s young and technically still developing. A loss of Donnarumma would surely be devastating as there is uncertainty around Plizzari’s ability to live up to the expectations and the mammoth shoes he’d have to fill. One thing is for sure, however, and that is as long as Donnarumma is between the sticks, the impossible saves become very possible.

If you disagree with any of the selections leave a comment below and make your case! Criticisms are always welcome!