AC Milan: 3 players that must make a difference this season after a poor 2017/18 campaign

Ricardo Rodriguez

Rodriguez playing against Napoli in Milan's defeat in San Paolo

The Swiss international came to San Siro from Wolfsburg for a fee of €17million last summer but his performances so far have not even come close to the ones he enjoyed at the German club. While his displays cannot be described as poor, Rodriguez has failed to make a difference for his new club so far, mainly with regards to his offensive skills.

The Swissman has been the starter at left-back since his arrival at Italy but his performances never exceed mediocrity. Even though his defensive qualities have not deserted him, Rogriguez has struggled in the creation of offensive situations for his team. In fact, during the last season where he made 47 appearances both in Italy and in Europe, the defender scored only 4 times and provided only 2 assists. In contrast, in his 184 appearances for Wolfsburg, Rodriguez found the net 22 times while setting 28 goals up for his teammates.

Moreover, the statistics show a more general decline in his contribution to Milan's attacks during last season. Rodriguez managed 0.9 shots, 0.7 key passes and a career-low 0.6 crosses per Serie A game. His shot accuracy rate was limited to 39% while he made at least 2 serious defensive errors which ended with his team conceding a goal.

The new season feels different for the 26-year-old defender. He had a decent game against Napoli and provided a fantastic assist in Kessie's goal against Roma, ending the game as the best out of the 4-man defense. In Switzerland's six-goal win against Iceland, he was exceptional as he set up one goal, made at least 4 key passes and had a 100% pass success. After Milan's win over Roma, Rodriguez seems to have finally found consistency in his game for the Rossoneri with regards to both his defensive and his attacking roles.

Manager Gatusso excepts much more from him and this season he must appear better than ever. After all, Rodriguez seems devoted to the club after rejecting the chance of leaving to PSG in the summer.