Milan's Gourcuff makes instant impression

He wasn't the big-name signing Milan fans had hoped for, but France Under-21 midfielder Yoann Gourcuff has made an instant impression with his scoring debut in the Champions League against AEK Athens.

It was not only his firm header from a Kaka cross in Wednesday's 3-0 victory that won him plaudits. Throughout the game he played with a grace and intelligence rare for a player of his age.

Signed from Rennes during the close-season, the 20-year-old almost appeared a twin for Brazilian Kaka who operated alongside him in the attacking line-up adopted by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

It is not only their appearance and style that make such a comparison fair - Kaka also arrived at Milan with little fanfare and straight away showed the qualities that had made the mouths of Milan's scouts water.

But Italian media, typically, have thrown bigger names at Gourcuff - his compatriots Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane, both flair midfielders who spent the best years of their careers in Italy.

Milan are taking a little more care with their words however.

Pier Silvio Berlusconi, son of Milan owner Silvio, was asked by reporters yesterday for his impression of Gourcuff's San Siro showing.

"If he goes on like that then we can say we have found another strong first teamer. He showed straight away that he has great character, physical strength and quality," he said.

"He covered a lot of ground which counts for a lot in today's game. I was moved by seeing him in the dressing room - he still has a timid reverence when he speaks with people like Paolo Maldini and Clarence Seedorf."

Coach Ancelotti noted above all Gourcuff's attitude towards his first European performance.

"It is great to see a player of his age play with such authority and confidence, he was an excellent signing by the club," he said.

The player himself took a modest line on his opening night at the San Siro.

"I am very happy, scoring in the Champions League was fantastic and a real satisfaction," he said.

"I hope to get some more chances to play and show what I can do."