Author of discreet beginnings with AC Milan, Yacine Adli has matured significantly in recent months, to the extent of becoming a central figure in Stefano Pioli’s system towards the end of the season. This development sends a message to Didier Deschamps, especially considering his refusal of Algeria…
With less than two months until Euro 2024 in Germany (June 14 – July 14), some players are making desperate attempts to impress national team selectors, hoping to earn points. Yacine Adli is one such player, who recently turned down the Algerian national team in a bid to secure a place in the French squad. While he is still far from donning the blue jersey, the Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate is determined to make it happen: “I stated that my goal was to play at the highest level, which does not mean that the Algerian national team isn’t at a very high level, but simply that the challenge for me is higher to aim for the French team,” defended the French midfielder.
The trio of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot, and Antoine Griezmann seems firmly entrenched in the French rotation, as is Eduardo Camavinga, providing a luxury option from the bench. The AC Milan player hopes to secure one of the last seats on the plane, typically reserved for Youssouf Fofana, Warren Zaïre-Emery, or Matteo Guendouzi. In Lombardy, Yacine Adli is emerging as one of the best midfielders in Serie A, ranked fifth among players with the best distribution in Europe behind Toni Kroos, Granit Xhaka, Frenkie De Jong, and Rodri. “He is an example of someone who believes, a symbol of the group, someone who works and does not succumb to negativity. He has also been adept at changing roles during the season, so he deserves all of this.
Changing roles also changes the way you understand the game. Last year, he played as an attacking midfielder and struggled to find his place this summer. But he was very motivated to reach this position; he’s not yet perfect, but he’s doing well,” affirmed his coach Stefano Pioli recently. Moreover, with a contract until June 2026, Yacine Adli is currently in advanced negotiations with the Milanese leadership led by the trio of Giorgio Furlani, Geoffrey Moncada, and Zlatan Ibrahimović to renew his contract with the Lombard club. While AC Milan might undergo a small transition period next summer (from the squad to the technical staff), Adli has a significant role to play in the Rossoneri’s future remodeling project.
Assuming High Responsibilities
In recent weeks, Yacine Adli has established himself as an undisputed starter in the Milan midfield. Against Lecce, the Franco-Algerian provided two assists with a significant volume of play, boasting 135 touches and completing 110 of his 120 attempted passes. This surge in form comes at the best possible time, as AC Milan faces crucial matches in the coming days, notably the Derby della Madonnina against Inter: “I never gave up, I always tried to give my best in training. The better we train, the more the team can grow. Even when I wasn’t playing, I paid full attention to contributing something to this group,” declared the former Parisian midfielder. Out of his 20 league appearances this season, Adli has started fifteen times, the majority of which have come in 2024. Thus, he now represents one of the key players in Pioli’s system. Some fans even got excited, comparing him to Andrea Pirlo on social media after his stellar performance against Lecce.
While the Rossoneri had pulled themselves out of a rut, enjoying a resurgence for several weeks, AC Milan stumbled in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals at San Siro against compatriots AS Roma. The return leg scheduled for Thursday at the Stadio Olimpico is highly anticipated, presenting a precious opportunity for Yacine Adli to continue his progress under the European spotlight: “It’s part of football. We have a return match, and we want to go to Rome to overturn the result.
We believe in it. We want to deliver another performance at their ground. It will be tough because they are strong. What matters is now. We will have time to prepare as best as we can for the return leg,” explained the Vitry-sur-Seine native, who is also increasingly assuming his responsibilities in front of the Italian press, both in press conferences and mixed zones. While it might be premature to speak of a surprise invitee to Euro 2024 in Didier Deschamps’ squad, Yacine Adli could indeed have a promising future with the Blues, given his constant progression at just 23 years old…
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