In a match that was anticipated to rejuvenate AC Milan's faltering season, the team faced a disappointing 2-2 draw against Fiorentina on Saturday. This outcome only intensified the atmosphere of uncertainty that has been enveloping the Rossoneri throughout the campaign. Despite the overall disappointment, Christian Pulisic emerged as a beacon of hope, marking his 10th assist of the season and receiving accolades from the upper echelons of the club.

The game itself was emblematic of Milan's 'Jekyll-and-Hyde' season, where moments of brilliance are often overshadowed by glaring inconsistencies. Fiorentina took advantage of Milan's defensive frailties, racing to a commanding 2-0 lead within the first 10 minutes. The early goals were the result of poor defensive organization and careless passing, particularly from American midfielder Yunus Musah. A critical misplaced touch from Musah directly led to Fiorentina's opener, prompting manager Sergio Conceicao to substitute him after just 24 minutes of play. This marked the second time in recent weeks that Musah was withdrawn early due to his underwhelming performance.

While Musah struggled to find his footing, Pulisic thrived, showcasing his vision and playmaking abilities. His intelligent through ball to Tammy Abraham not only set up Milan’s first goal but also ignited a spirited second-half comeback from the team. Given that the Rossoneri have managed only three victories in their last ten matches, the need for players to step up has never been more critical, and the 26-year-old American forward certainly answered the call.

In the wake of this turbulent phase, the president of AC Milan, Paolo Scaroni, offered an insightful interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. During their conversation, Scaroni candidly expressed his thoughts on the team's current performance and future trajectory. “It has been a very difficult campaign for Milan,” he acknowledged, “even with our Supercoppa Italiana win. We are disappointed, but we are actively working to construct a winning team moving forward.”

When questioned about the players the club intends to build around in the coming years, Scaroni did not hesitate. He praised Rafael Leao, highlighting the excitement he brings to fans and himself alike. However, Scaroni's choice of players to emphasize was intriguing; he singled out Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders as critical to the team's future success. “It’s no coincidence that we want them with us for a long time,” Scaroni noted, underlining their importance to the squad.

This subtle shift in focus might indicate a change in Milan’s long-term strategy. While Leao remains a key figure, Scaroni's omission of his name when discussing core players was telling. Santiago Gimenez, a winter signing who was initially viewed as a vital addition up front, also did not make the list.

Instead, Pulisic and Reijnders—two players who may not possess the high-profile reputations of others—have established themselves as Milan's most dependable performers. Pulisic, whose transfer from Chelsea was met with skepticism, has proven his worth by consistently delivering in terms of offensive contributions, leadership on the pitch, and unwavering tenacity.

Meanwhile, Reijnders has injected a sense of calm and clarity into Milan’s midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and read high-pressure situations has been instrumental for the team. The statistics reflect their impact: together, they have contributed to 29 goals and assists across 30 Serie A matches, averaging nearly one goal contribution per game. As Milan navigates this challenging season, the emergence of Pulisic and Reijnders as central figures may just be the silver lining the club desperately needs.