Pervis Estupiñán
MIL
Wins two tackles in Sassuolo game
Estupinan (knee) had one key pass, two tackles (two won) and one interception in 45 minutes in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Sassuolo.
Analysis: Estupinan continued starting despite getting banged up on international duty, but he didn't have a great showing and was pulled at the interval for a more aggressive player. He snapped three-game streaks with at least one shot and one cross in this one and had notched at least one clearance in all the previous rounds.
Gets starting nod against Sassuolo
Estupinan (knee) is in AC Milan's starting lineup for Sunday's Serie A clash against Sassuolo after recovering from a minor knee injury sustained during international duty with Ecuador.
Analysis: Estupinan has recovered from the knee issue that forced him to train separately earlier in the week, having resumed full team training Saturday. The left-back gets the nod ahead of Davide Bartesaghi, who had initially been expected to start against Sassuolo. Estupinan has now started five of Milan's six Serie A matches this season, recording five shots (none on target), six crosses (two accurate), 15 clearances and six interceptions across his previous five appearances.
Should be fine for Sassuolo game
Estupinan (knee) trained with no limitations with the rest of the group Saturday, Tuttomercatoweb reported.
Analysis: Estupinan worked on the side for a couple of sessions after tweaking his knee with Ecuador, but he should be good to go for Sunday, although Davide Bartesaghi is currently expected to get the nod over him. He has started in four of five Serie A games, tallying five shots (zero on target), six crosses (two accurate), 15 clearances and six interceptions.
Hurt with Ecuador
Estupinan missed the most recent international friendly due to a knee sprain, Ecuador announced.
Analysis: Estupinan will take further tests upon returning to Milan, and the early indication is that the problem is minor, Gianluca Di Marzio reports, although it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to recover for Sunday's away game versus Sassuolo. Davide Bartesaghi and Diego Moreira are the other options in the role.
Creates two chances in win
Estupinan generated one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-1 win against Torino.
Analysis: Estupinan got the nod over Davide Bartesaghi as a wing-back and earned decent playmaking numbers while helping his team concede no goals over the 66 minutes he played in Sunday's clash. After seeing his first season with Milan limited by injuries and rotations, Estupinan could now have a chance to show what he's capable of as a two-way performer on the left flank, but he might continue to split playing time with Bartesaghi.
Quiet in dominant performance
Estupinan had two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Curacao.
Analysis: Estupinan was quiet as Ecuador drew 0-0 with Curacao. The former Brighton wing-back didn't start in the first match but came into this game after a change in formation. Despite Ecuador drawing a record number of saves from Eloy Room, Estupinan had limited involvement. He created one chance and didn't complete any of his crosses.
Primary left-back option for NT
Estupinan is an established contributor on the left flank of his country's defense and will operate as one of the squad's main creative assets in the World Cup.
Analysis: Estupinan remains Ecuador's first-choice left-back and one of the team's most important players in possession. The defender brings experience from multiple top European leagues following his spells with Villarreal, Brighton and AC Milan, giving him a level of pedigree few players in the squad can match. His most recent club season was somewhat inconsistent due to injuries and competition from Davide Bartesaghi, but those factors shouldn't affect his standing with the national team. Ecuador regularly relies on him for both attacking and defensive duties on the left flank, making him a valuable two-way contributor. During the World Cup qualifying stage, he featured in 13 games, failing to score or assist but delivering a team-high average of 1.5 chances created per game.
Clears disqualification
Estupinan completed a one-game ban in Sunday's 2-1 win over Genoa.
Analysis: Estupinan will be eligible to play against Cagliari next Sunday and likely deputize Davide Bartesaghi. He has scored once and notched 10 crosses (five accurate), nine clearances and five tackles (two won) in his last five showings (three starts), although he's been an unused sub in four of the last seven rounds.
Suspended for Genoa contest
Estupinan recorded two crosses (one accurate), drew two fouls and was cautioned for the fifth time in 10 minutes in Sunday's 3-2 loss versus Atalanta.
Analysis: Estupinan didn't see a lot of action in this one and won't be an option for the next tilt because of yellow-card accumulation. The coach would have to adapt a player to the left wing if something happened to the starter Davide Bartesaghi.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare