When McTominay meets... 'McTominay' in the Milan - Napoli showdown

28/09/2025 08:36:00 pandatv

Last season, Scott McTominay was the standout player in Serie A, the unexpected hero who altered the destiny of Napoli and the entire league. This season, a similar narrative could repeat itself with Adrien Rabiot.

They share remarkable similarities. Both are tall, versatile central midfielders with superb technical skills and tactical awareness. Both joined their teams late in the summer transfer window after their clubs suffered shocking defeats in the Serie A opening rounds, and both quickly made an impact. With outstanding performances and decisive goals, McTominay stepped in for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to lead Napoli from crisis to championship. Adrien Rabiot, newly arrived, has played excellently, featuring in all 3 recent matches for Milan. Their upcoming direct duel at San Siro this weekend could determine who is the most complete "box-to-box" midfielder in the league.

Napoli turned to McTominay as a crucial piece in midfield, and Milan did the same with Rabiot. Both managers fully comprehend the "weapon" they have at their disposal. Antonio Conte is very familiar with McTominay due to his experience working in England, while Max Allegri understands Rabiot deeply from their time together at Juventus. They both recognize their star players as game changers not only for their clubs but potentially for the entire season.

Conte and Allegri have each done their utmost to help their players flourish. Conte shifted from his usual 3-5-2 formation to 4-3-3 to allow McTominay to fully express his abilities. The Scudetto and Player of the Season award for the Scottish midfielder honor both coach and player. Allegri appears to be aiming to replicate this success. According to Italian media, once he decided to switch to a 3-5-2 system, Allegri requested Milan’s board to sign Rabiot.

Rabiot (left) could become Milan’s equivalent of Scott McTominay

The impact McTominay made at Napoli last season is immeasurable. He became the club’s symbol, scoring 12 goals and assisting 4 times, orchestrating every attack. He combined perfectly with Lukaku to form a duo that was both highly organized and offensively potent. This poses a concern as Napoli will travel to San Siro without Lukaku due to injury, while young newcomer Rasmus Hojlund needs time to develop chemistry with McTominay.

This season, Rabiot is creating a similar influence after just 3 games for Milan. He has become the central axis in midfield, enhancing the team’s ball control and transitional play. He releases a legend like Luka Modrić from defensive burdens, allowing them to form a leadership midfield pair that controls Milan’s entire game. Rabiot now only lacks goals to leave a more distinct mark and truly become a "Milan version of McTominay."

The upcoming battle at San Siro will therefore be extremely thrilling, especially as both "McTominays" will have elite creative partners alongside. Napoli’s McTominay is paired with Kevin De Bruyne, while Milan’s "McTominay" partners with Luka Modrić. This promises to be a captivating duel among four of the world’s finest central midfielders currently. Who will emerge victorious? Who will decide the match? The outcome will significantly impact this season’s Scudetto race.

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