clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Rossoneri Advent Calendar Day 15: John Dahl Tomasson and the Last Minute Winners

31 Days Remembering Players From Milan’s Past, Each Date Will Feature A Player Who Donned The Jersey Number.

AC Milan’s Brazilian defender Caf is con Photo credit should read PACO SERINELLI/AFP via Getty Images

John Dahl Tomasson played for AC Milan for three seasons between 2002 and 2005 but never managed to break into the starting eleven. He was Milan's version of a super sub as he played a crucial role in Milan winning a Champions League, a Scudetto and a Coppa Italia in his three years at the club.

Italian Serie A - Modena v AC Milan Photo by Newpress/Getty Images

Tomasson played for Milan when the club's roster was stacked full of superstar strikers including Filippo Inzaghi, Andriy Shevchenko, Hernan Crespo and Rivaldo. The former Feyenoord striker always stood out for his unbelievable work ethic and his passion every single time he stepped out onto the pitch. He was dependable when called upon and he rounded out Inzaghi and Shevchenko well enough to be able to pick up the slack when necessary allowing Milan to pick up three major trophies in his three consecutive seasons. Tomasson was especially impactful when Milan won the Scudetto in 2003-04 as his 12 goals supplemented Shevchenko immensely including goals against Juventus and Inter Milan. The Denmark international also partnered Shevchenko in the SuperCoppa final of 2004 that Milan won 3-0. Tomasson left Milan on a sad note following the terrible UCL final in Istanbul where he converted his penalty but Milan failed to lift the Champions League.

Achievements with Milan

  • Serie A: 2003–04
  • UEFA Champions League: 2002–03
  • Coppa Italia: 2002–03
  • Supercoppa Italiana: 2004

Top Highlight

Tomasson was a super sub for Milan and scored mostly late goals but one specific goal takes the cake because of how crucial it was for Milan. In the 2002-03 Champions League quarter finals against Ajax, Milan were on their way out at the 90th minute due to away goals but Tomasson adn Inzaghi drew the Ajax defense apart to create space for Inzaghi to lob the keeper but Tomasson stole the goal at the last second earning a match winning goal that would carry Milan to the next round and eventually the trophy. Watch the highlight here or below.