#defensive-improvement

#defensive-improvement

When Adrien Rabiot became linked to AC Milan in the summer, it was not a shock. In fact, most expected it. Now, though, it is clear to see why Massimiliano Allegri tried so hard to sign him. Adding Rabiot in the summer seemed like a guarantee when Allegri arrived. After all, the Frenchman is one of the Italian's favourite players and it is understandable why. With him in the team, the Rossoneri are noticeably better.

Say what you will about New York City FC missing key pieces in Saturday's Eastern Conference Final, but one thing is certain: past versions of Inter Miami still would've crumbled under the weight of Pascal Jansen's understaffed attack. Even without star Costa Rica striker Alonso Martínez bearing down on them, it's easy to picture Inter Miami from, say, the spring when they lost four games in five across all competitions, giving up a sloppy goal and falling short of MLS Cup. Only seven teams allowed more non-penalty xG in the regular season than Miami, according to FBref.

"Fikayo Tomori seriously hurt himself in Bergamo. His leg nearly got stuck in the ground, and he was in serious danger of injuring his knee. In addition to the risk to his knee, the defender suffered a severe blow to his quadriceps, causing an effusion," he began (via MilanNews). "Milan played the match on Tuesday, and they took to the field again on Sunday evening, four days later. On Wednesday, Tomori went for tests that ruled out any injuries, and he couldn't walk.

Rookie cornerback Will Johnson is a certified stud. The interior defensive line held the Saints' running backs to 78 rushing yards. Spencer Rattler needed to complete 27 passes to break the 210-yard threshold. More importantly, the defense held New Orleans out of the end zone four straight times to win the game. With their backs against the wall, Arizona's defenders prevailed.