AC Milan will not appear in next season’s Champions League, continuing a drought since 2013. They have, however, mathematically qualified for the Europa League. Of course, this isn’t the expectation for a club of their stature, but the Rossoneri are still rebuilding. They’ve made positive strides lately, however, and will begin next season with positivity on their side. With two games left on the schedule, Milan are currently playing for their own pride and that of their fans. With that being said, take a look at the Milan season awards.
AC Milan Awards
Most Valuable Player
The first of the Milan season awards goes to none other than Gianluigi Donnarumma. At only 21-years-old, he surpassed 200 appearances for the club this season. That’s already more than Milan legends Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard. Donnarumma was also given the captain armband in the last two matches.
Milan’s wonderboy carries the squad time and time again. He can’t be the one scoring the goals, but his presence in the net is the backbone of the team. It’s no secret that Milan struggle defensively, but Donnarumma is constantly a savior.
He is the present and future of Milan. The club must once again do everything in their power to keep him in red and black.
Most Improved Player
Hakan Calhanoglu takes this prize in Milan’s season awards. He’s been at the club since 2017, but he never reached the expectations that he was given.
He was off to a rough start once again this season. Everything took a turn for the better since Serie A’s restart, however. Since then, Calhanoglu has recorded five goals and seven assists in ten appearances. He’s been integral in Serie A’s most lethal attack since the restart. If he’s not banging in free kicks, he’s slicing through defenses with his excellent movement and passing. Calhanoglu is earning back his hype and starting position.
Best Summer and Winter Purchases
Milan made several moves in last summer’s transfer window. The best move, however, was acquiring Ismael Bennacer. The Algerian midfielder is the spark of life Milan’s midfield needed for years. He’s very calm on the ball and has a high IQ and vision to set up flowing attacks. His size may be underwhelming compared to that of Franck Kessie, but Bennacer is also quite talented defensively. He’s surely the anchor in the Rossoneri‘s midfield for the next several years.
Theo Hernandez has had a major impact on Milan. After just one season, he’s proving to be the best left-back the team has had since Paolo Maldini himself. Hernandez comes in as a runner-up.
The best winter purchase in Milan season awards goes to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede’s production is down compared to his former Milan years, but of course, that was nearly a decade ago. Seven goals and four assists in 16 league matches is still a strong output. Ibrahimovic impacts the team off the field just as much as on, however. He’s a true leader and veteran, something this squad had sorely missed. The players look up to him, and he is their motivator game in and game out.
Simon Kjaer is the runner-up in this award. He didn’t receive the fanfare that Ibrahimovic had, but Kjaer has been fantastic. Kjaer has formed a strong partnership in the defence with Alessio Romagnoli that will continue into next season.
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