Milan picked up a 1-0 win over Roma on Sunday. While Strahinja Pavlovic scored and Rafael Leao assisted, Alexis Saelemaekers impressed once again. It isn’t new for the Belgian, who has risen as a key performer for Max Allegri’s side.

To many, this wasn’t expected. Roma were keen on signing him permanently after his impactful loan spell last season. They faced struggles in thrashing out a deal, with Premier League clubs also interested. Allegri’s stance proved key, as Saelemaekers stayed at the Rossoneri against everyone’s expectations.

He has featured in every Serie A game and beyond that, he has put his hand up when there has been a need in a variety of positions. Mainly operating at right wing-back, Saelemaekers played in attacking midfield against Lecce. Against Fiorentina, he played as a striker with the Rossoneri attack misfiring.

Against Roma (via FotMob), he attempted and completed the most number of dribbles (4 out of 6). He also put himself into difficult situations and came out on top, winning a total of nine duels – the most in the tie. It was a perfect indicator of how he is applying himself and attempting to prove himself at the club.

In the entire season, he has completed 2.93 dribbles per 90 minutes. As per FBref, he has completed 1.99 takeons per 90 minutes and that places him in the 98 percentile in Serie A. He is doing that in effective and key areas, completing 1.17 carries per 90 minutes in the final third and that is once again, 98 percentile in the league.

These traits are making him a key player for Allegri, who is seeking pace in his attack. While the left side if blessed with resources for that, the right side doesn’t have that and Saelemaekers adds that and more, as his combative nature is also proving key.

He has screamed consistency since the season started too, having not had a bad game yet. As the campaign wears on, he will prove to be one of their best players.