Noah Okafor has made his presence felt at AC Milan, but the journey has not been without its challenges. After a mixed first experience with the likes of Chukwueze, Pulisic, Calabria, Bennacer, and Jovic that didn’t go according to plan, his latest outing featured a more cohesive approach with teammates Theo Hernández, Álvaro Morata, Reijnders, and Musah. This shift suggests that Okafor might be in a prime position to forge a significant role within the squad.
Despite his potential, some critics argue that a footballer shouldn’t be judged after just half an hour on the pitch. Last season, Okafor logged 870 minutes across 28 matches, averaging just over 30 minutes per game. He only started six times, and futures filled with high visibility haven’t exactly been predicted for him. However, the recent match against Torino hinted at a different narrative—one where Okafor could surpass Jovic and claim the role of Morata’s backup. Luka Jovic’s struggle to perform well when isolated proved that he thrives better when paired with another striker.
Okafor has a knack for delivering crucial goals at the tail end of matches. Out of his seven Serie A goals, six came from substitute appearances, showcasing his ability to change games late on. Notable highlights include a last-minute goal against Udinese that capped a comeback, a late winner against Lazio, and an equalizer at Sassuolo—each pivotal in away matches. The recent draw against Torino not only extends his scoring streak but also raises questions about his role in the squad as Milan faces decisions on Champions League registrations.
Looking ahead, the next six months are crucial for Okafor. During the European Championship, he was Switzerland’s last pick for the attack but faced challenges on the pitch that left him feeling less than appreciated. Returning to Milan and joining the tour mid-way, he saw limited action, particularly against Barcelona, and wasn’t part of the starting eleven against Torino due to fitness concerns. With Rafael Leão firmly entrenched in the left-wing position, Okafor may need to compete more directly with Jovic for the vice-Morata role or persuade manager Paulo Fonseca to adopt a two-striker formation where he could truly shine.
After a tumultuous start, Okafor seems to have found his rhythm. He impressed against Monza recently, and he himself has commented on feeling in better form than ever. As noted by Massimo Ceccaroni, a legend at FC Basel who helped nurture Okafor in his youth, the key for the player lies in consistent game time. While his willingness to train remains a personal challenge, the promising signs of his condition are giving Milan fans reasons to be hopeful. Whether he can carve out a regular spot in the starting lineup, however, will ultimately depend on how well he adapts and how Fonseca decides to integrate him into the team.