Youssouf Fofana has quickly become an indispensable part of AC Milan’s squad under Paulo Fonseca. The French midfielder has played the most minutes of any outfield player for the Rossoneri this season, clocking 1381 minutes across Serie A and Champions League matches. In just a few months, Fofana has taken control of Milan’s midfield, providing balance, physical presence, stamina, and quality.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report how Fofana is more than just a defensive shield; he’s a player capable of building play and creating chances for his teammates. He already has three assists this season, including two in consecutive matches against Slovan and Empoli. In an interview, Fofana described his role: “Balance. Being the link between defense and attack. I must be the first to set up play and the first to defend, occupying spaces left by my teammates. I’m a player who works in the shadows.”
The Frenchman’s versatility is evident in his statistics. He’s been a starter in 11 out of 12 Serie A matches and ranks tenth in successful passes (89.1%). His ability to both destroy opposition plays and construct attacks makes him a valuable asset, especially when Reijnders is marked closely by opponents.
Fofana’s offensive contributions are notable, with the highest number of assists (2) among defensive midfielders. He frequently enters the final third of the pitch, averaging 6.67 entries per game, which is more than many of his counterparts in similar positions.
Despite playing in a more defensive role than he did at Monaco, Fofana’s attacking instincts remain sharp. He averages 57 touches per game, the same as Reijnders against Empoli, though their roles differ. Fofana’s journey from delivering pizzas as a rider ten years ago to distributing passes in Milan’s midfield is a testament to his growth and importance to the team.
