The winning pair

Milan continued their good form earning another win in what was a very professional display from Leo’s boys. It was Ronaldinho who again was the creative spark creating both goals for Marco Borriello. The win capped of a fine month which saw our club climb up the table from 12th position to 4th, just six points behind leaders Inter, whilst our Champions League campaign was also put right with a fantastic win in Madrid. It seems, at least for the moment, that we are back.

Ronaldinho – Despite being the inspiration behind Milan’s two goals, I would not agree with what others have claimed, that Ronaldinho is back. I have said it before and I will say it again, the Ronaldinho we all came to know whilst he strutted his magic with Barcelona is not the Ronaldinho we see today. He is still a shadow of his former self and I do not expect that we will see his former self show up ever again. However, it is a testament to his pure genius that for a player who struggles with highly inconsistent form, who is unable to dart pass players like he used to nor run and move as quick, that he can still be decisive, indeed, critical and fundamental for Milan. For the passing skill and vision he still possesses is phenomenal, and these two qualities of his can still single-handedly win games. He may not be the Ronaldinho of old, but the Ronaldinho of now can make be the difference still.

Borriello – As for Marco Borriello, he must be congratulated. I am his biggest critic and I will stand by my belief that he still is not of great enough quality to lead Milan’s attack. A club like Milan should have a player of a calibre similar to that of an Eto’o, Drogba or Ibrahimovic because for a club like Milan, only the best will do. I know I leave myself open for criticism if and when Borriello comes good, but I hope he does so as to prove me wrong. Certainly tonight he leaves me with little choice but to applaud his efforts and applaud his efforts I will do. His first one was a simple finish but his second one was of great quality. It is good for him that he got off the mark for strikers rely on confidence and his two goals last night will be a great boost to his confidence and morale. Good on you Marco.

Overall I was pleased with the performance of the all the players tonight, even that of Massimo Oddo who is another player that I give a hard time. His form is slowly getting better and though he still lacks much on the offensive side of things, in particular his crossing, tonight he showed a real diligence to get forward and in the second half his crossing was quality. It still stands however, that new full backs are needed, but if Oddo can maintain and perhaps even improve on tonights performance than maybe the wait for a new full back will not be so long.

Thiago Silva is continuing his development into a world class stopper and on his current form will soon be knocking on the door of the Brazilian national team. Could have sealed the game tonight when his superb run into the box saw him head the ball on to the cross bar but it was not to be. But, nonetheless, another solid performance from the young Brazilian.

It was unfortunate to see Antonini taken off due to injury. For the minutes he played, he looked rather assured there at left back and was comfortable getting forward. One that Leo perhaps should utilise a little more in the future. Whilst singing my praises and before I stop I must mention one thing. Dida. His form is that of the Dida of old. He has turned back the clock and is making a strong claim to be reinstated as number one. How Storari must be having mixed emotions right now. The team is doing well, but he is not part of it because of a foolish attempt to be Higuita the Scorpion king. Dida’s save from Bojinov’s header was world class and he is starting to tally a few world class saves. It is good to see that Dida is back, for now at least.

The performances of Seedorf, Pirlo and Pato was perhaps not the greatest. However, as I mentioned in the preview to this match, Seedorf and Pirlo are still irreplaceable for Milan. Pirlo, though perhaps not at his creative best this season, still pulls the strings for Milan in deep midfield. He keeps the ball moving, switches the play and plays into space. I am concerned about his physical fitness however. In the preview I mention that Pirlo has virtually played every match this season. If his form is suffering as it is, it is more than likely due to fatigue. The same can be said for Seedorf. The fact is, whether these players are on form or not it does not matter, there are no other players in the squad that can deputise for them. The arrival of Beckham will change this.

Before I sign off, I think that we fans should congratulate Leo on turning the season around. Problems may persist and whether or not this good run continues of course we can not be sure, but for now Leo is due credit.

Talk to you soon.