Milan legend delivers scathing review of team: ‘I save only two’, but it’s neither Rafael Leao, Santiago Gimenez, nor Joao Felix – Does Christian Pulisic make the cut?
As Milan’s Serie A season nears its climax, the Rossoneri find themselves under intense scrutiny. A campaign that once promised much has been marred by inconsistency, leading to growing doubts about the squad’s quality and future direction. The latest and most harsh assessment has now arrived from a club legend, who insists that only two players have lived up to expectations.
But who are the two players who have earned praise? It’s not Rafael Leao, the club’s talismanic winger. It’s not Santiago Gimenez, the big-money January signing. And it’s not Joao Felix, the Portuguese star who lit up San Siro in his debut, but has since faded.
How have Milan’s high-profile stars fared so far?
Few players embody Milan’s inconsistency like Rafael Leao. The Portuguese winger, hailed as one of the most exciting attacking talents in Europe, has six goals and seven assists in Serie A this season. However, he has once again struggled to deliver on his immense potential week in and week out.
While his moments of brilliance remain undeniable, questions persist about whether he can evolve into a superstar player able to deliver constantly, something his side desperately needs. Unlike the 25-year-old, his compatriot Joao Felix’s time at San Siro may already be running out.
The Portuguese forward, on loan from Chelsea, made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut. But since then, his influence has waned, and reports suggest that the Italians have no plans to sign him permanently when his loan expires in 2025. Felix’s struggle to secure a starting role reflects the broader challenges in Milan’s attack, where no player has consistently stepped up to lead the line.
Last but not least, there is Santiago Gimenez. Hailed as the solution to Milan’s goalscoring problems, the Mexican striker arrived in January from Feyenoord. His first few matches suggested he was the missing piece, as he netted three goals in quick succession.
But since February 18, when he scored against his former club in the UEFA Champions League, he has failed to find the net. His dry spell has raised concerns about his ability to thrive in Serie A, where the tactical complexity often demands more than just raw finishing ability.
Legend delivers ruthless verdict on Milan stars
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, former Milan player and manager Fabio Capello did not hold back in his analysis of the squad. According to the legendary coach, only two players have delivered performances worthy of the Red and Blacks’ stature this season.
“I save only two, [Christian] Pulisic and [Tijjani] Reijnders. All the others, for one reason or another, have performed below sufficiency,” Capello stated. His remarks suggest deep frustration, not just with individual performances, but with the team’s overall mentality. The Englishman continued his criticism by highlighting what he believes to be a lack of commitment and urgency on the pitch.
“How many times have we seen a player lose the ball and not return? And how many, on the other hand, are chasing the opponent with desire, frothing at the mouth because you sense a dangerous situation for the team?” In fact, the likes of Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez, and Leao—players often considered Milan’s backbone—have all fallen short of expectations in Capello’s eyes.