Moreira and De Winter on the pitch for Belgium: a sign of growing Rossoneri strength
The international break brings good news for AC Milan: Diego Moreira and Koni De Winter have both been called up and named in the starting eleven by Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel for the Nations League clash against Italy, held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. A major stage for two Milan players who are currently in excellent form.
Notably, Alexis Saelemaekers — another former Rossoneri player — was not included in Van Bommel’s squad. The Belgian coach’s selection focused on the two players currently at Milanello, confirming the attention Belgium pays to Serie A-based talent.
Diego Moreira: extraordinary numbers and immediate impact
If there is one player who has genuinely surprised everyone since the very first games of the season, it is Diego Moreira. The Portuguese winger, who arrived in the summer with high expectations, has answered emphatically on the pitch: three goals in three appearances, with a remarkable rate of one goal every 40 minutes. A return few would have predicted so quickly.
His debut against Juventus was understandably cautious — as is natural for a young player stepping onto such a demanding stage for the first time. But from the very next game, a completely different version emerged: more confident, more decisive, and capable of making a difference in limited minutes. The two goals against Lazio and the strike against Lecce — as detailed in the article Diego Moreira: Three Appearances, Three Goals. Has Milan Found a New Weapon? — tell the story of a concrete and mature talent, far from a raw prospect.
Van Bommel: “Moreira has character and great personality”
Mark van Bommel, who knows the Rossoneri environment well from his own playing days — albeit briefly, during the twilight of the great Galliani-Berlusconi era — had strong words of praise for the young forward. According to the Belgian coach, Moreira is a player with great character, commanding authority even within the dressing room. On the pitch he works hard, makes sacrifices for the team, and proves capable of making an impact across multiple areas of the field.
Van Bommel did, however, highlight a key point: Moreira must find consistency. The Belgian coach noted that Milan boss Rúben Amorim still needs to pin down the best position in which to use him, given his tactical versatility — able to operate both in advanced and more withdrawn roles.
Van Bommel also mentioned having spoken with both De Winter and Moreira about Milanello, San Siro, and how important it is for the Rossoneri to return to winning consistently. A message that reflects the genuine warmth the Dutchman still feels for the red and black colours.
Van Bommel and Milan: a short but intense story
Mark van Bommel‘s spell at Milan lasted only a few months, yet it left a lasting impression. The Dutch midfielder, usually known for his cold, pragmatic temperament, was visibly moved when saying goodbye to his teammates, describing the group as “almost like a family”, surrounded by world-class champions.
The former midfielder recalled the experience with great fondness: “I had a wonderful time at Milan, even if it was short; we had a fantastic squad. I only played one game at the Olimpico and we won the Scudetto.” Words that speak of genuine affection for a club that remains special to all who have had the privilege of wearing its colours.
As for a possible future on the Milan bench, Van Bommel did not close the door: “For now let’s focus on the Nations League and the Euros, then we’ll see. It would be great, but let’s not talk about the future right now.” A diplomatic answer, but one that leaves room for some interesting speculation among Rossoneri fans.
