Rossoneri Advent Calendar Day 31: Jaap Stam and the Derby Goals

Jaap Stam joined AC Milan in 2004 and played for two seasons where the Rossoneri finished second twice in the league and managed to get to the Champions League final and lose to Liverpool on penalties. The Netherlands international alternated between centre-back and right-back over his tenure providing great solidity and physicality to the defence.

Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images

Stam joined Milan with a reputation for being tough and no-nonsense which Milan required after the 2003 Champions League victory. The centre-back had proven himself at Lazio and Manchester United and was a huge boost for the ageing Costacurta and Cafu. Stam struggled at the start of his time with Milan being left out of the squad for 17 games before finishing the season strong as a starter. Stam was crucial for Milan in the Champions League as he anchored the squad at centre-back and was partnered by either Alessandro Nesta or Paolo Maldini on the way to the final. Stam's intensity and strength drove him to succeed with Milan as he brought a unique element to the defence and was brought fear to our opponents with his brashness. Over his two years at the club, Stam left a great impression on Milan fans as he scored in multiple derbies and was already riling up the opposition whilst displaying strong passion for the red and black jersey.

Achievements with Milan

• Supercoppa Italiana: 2004

Top Highlight

Very few defenders manage to score in the Derby della Madonnina and even fewer manage to score twice in a two year spell but Jaap Stam managed just that. He scored two thundering headers against Inter Milan, once in the league and once in the Champions League to help eliminate our cross town rivals on the way to the final. Stam was able to connect with set pieces both times muscling his way through an Inter backline of Sinisa Mihajlovic, Ivan Cordoba and Walter Samuel across the games. Watch the highlights of his two derby goals here or below.