Milan legend hails two new signings for “bringing leadership to the team”

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Sam Wilson | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 12:44 PM ET

Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta has hailed Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot after the Rossoneri’s win against Napoli, claiming the pair have brought a new level of leadership to the team.

Speaking to Sky Sport, via PianetaMilan, in the aftermath of the 2-1 win over last season’s Scudetto winners, Costacurta said that “I think there is a lot of leadership now, more than ever before. We are talking about two players of international level.”

Costacurta praises ‘new leaders’ Modric and Rabiot at Milan

Luka Modric signed on a free transfer this summer after his contract with Real Madrid expired. The 40-year-old midfielder has already calmed concerns about his age with a strong start to the season.

Rabiot, meanwhile, joined from Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille in the closing stages of the summer transfer window. The former Juventus man was suspended from the French club after a dressing room bust-up with Jonathan Rowe, who also left Marseille in the summer for Serie A – joining Bologna.

“This is a team of 11 players who all run and chase the opponent,” Costacurta said, “Gimenez is always working, not only going deep but helping his teammates too. The team moves well as one.”

Costacurta concluded on how the leadership dynamics at the club have changed over the last twelve months.

“The leaders from last year have changed. This season, two more arrived, who are slightly better in terms of leadership.”

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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