AC Milan assistant coach Mauro Tassotti says they're delighted with the progress of Urby Samuelson this season.

The Dutchman has been asked to play as an attacking midfielder behind the strikers and he's starting to make an impact after some initial difficulties.

"He was criticised quite a bit when we started using him in that role," the former Diavolo defender told Milan Channel.

"Kevin Prince Boateng has had a lot of fitness problems this term and Clarence Seedorf has been out for a bit too, so we thought the Dutchman could do a job.

"I have to say that we were always satisfied with his performances and we didn't understand why he was being criticised.

"We always supported him as it was clear that he just needed to feel comfortable in that position.

"He obviously couldn't totally replace Boateng as they are different players, Boa is much more powerful, while Emanuelson is more dynamic."