Luka Modric has been named in the Serie A Team of the Season at the Gran Gala del Calcio, which handed out its awards last night.
The Croatian was one of the few genuine positives in a Milan campaign that offered plenty to be frustrated by, and the recognition reflects how much weight he carried in midfield across the season.
At 40, Modric racked up almost 3,000 minutes over the course of the year, contributing 2 goals and 3 assists. The numbers were modest, but they undersell what he gave the Rossoneri, with his level of performance standing out far more than the raw output on the scoresheet.
Milan have had several players named in the Team of the Season in recent years, and for a club of their stature that recognition is close to the floor rather than the ceiling. A stronger campaign next time out could see them better represented.
There was a second familiar name among the winners. Mattia Liberali, a product of the Milan youth setup, was named young player of the season in Serie B, one of several awards handed to players from the division.
Milan tried to bring Liberali back to San Siro over the summer, but the move did not come off.
For a season that gave supporters little to celebrate, the individual recognition for Modric is a reminder that the veteran's gamble on Milan paid off in full.