AC Milan have welcomed back the best version of Ismael Bennacer after his struggles physically earlier in the season.

MilanNews writes about the unique role that the Algerian plays in Milan’s game mechanism, and yesterday’s win over Hellas Verona was a prime example of that. With 80% of duels won, 11 balls recovered and the 3 key-passes offered in the offensive phase, we saw the very best of Bennacer in each department.

The Champions League match at San Siro against Atletico Madrid put Bennacer in the limelight in his first Champions League start ever, and his performance was sadly not reflected in the result. With Franck Kessie and Sandro Tonali to be able to call upon too, all three will have to work hard to keep their starting spot.

Given Kessie’s absence due to disqualification, Bennacer will be called to another litmus test against Porto and he is hoping to raise the bar even further again.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason
MLB insider reveals Mets' massive extension offer that Pete Alonso turned down
Celtics legend provides update after gruesome finger injury
Bulls hire former NBA head coach as top assistant
Chiefs move on from young running back
20-year MLB veteran working out, unsure about playing future

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.