Rafael Leao’s season has been rather hit and miss, and AC Milan have not been able to profit from the star’s talent. However, it has been due to injuries, rather than misperformance.
In previous seasons, there have been frustrations about Leao and his contributions to the team. Unfortunately, this year is no different, but the reasons have changed. Rather than failing to hit the levels expected of him, he has just been unavailable.
Of course, he came off the bench this weekend, but it was only his 13th Serie A appearance of the season, and he has played less than 850 minutes in the league. Now, though, he is pushing to return as a starter.
Issue persists
Gazzetta dello Sport, as seen below, recalls the words of Massimiliano Allegri, that Leao has not been in ‘top form’, and of course, he is referring to the abductor problem which has troubled him in recent weeks.
There have been a lot of games recently, so this definitely plays a part of things. However, with him ‘unable’ to perform at his best level, the Italian is being cautious to avoid risking a longer lay-off, which is also why his minutes have been lessened.
The Leao paradox
At present, the Portuguese is perhaps at his most deadly in his career. He is still having an impact, even when not at his best level, which also creates problems. He is pushing to return and ‘wants to play’, but even he knows his limits currently.
As is probably imagined, he will always make himself available where possible, even with gritted teeth. However, Allegri now has the ability to rotate and allow him to rest. He makes an impact, but he is not the only one capable of doing so, with Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku back in the mix.
When he is back to his best, there will be no questions asked. For now, though, it is a case of waiting for him to be back to his best and Allegri will give his situation time, rather than rushing him back.
There will be questions asked as he is often more useful and deadly as a sub, rather than starter, which is not the place he wants to be. I’m more concerned with his new role – yes he scores more, but that is because he plays as a striker. It doesn’t necessarily mean he is more useful for the team, as in his winger role he is a constant threat and is double- or triple-guarded, creating a lot of free space for the others to score.
At least he seems more confident to play headers – his stats in that regard prior to this season were crazy for an elite attacking player, especially given his physique. He had like a goal with a header once very 2-3 years… and for one of his goals with us the ball hit him in the head, not the other way around…
If Leao makes the mental shift that is typical for more experienced/mature players (that comes around his age) and improves 10-20% on his big weak spots, he could truly become devastating for opposition. Let’s not forget he is still 26, so there’s at least another 3-4 years of his peak period (physically). Chances are not that high he will get there, but boy, if he does…
I agree with you on Leao’s positioning, but it is only efficient when there’s a poacher in the box. Whether Fullkrug is it remains to be seen. Otherwise, there’s often no one in the box when Leao makes the runs and passes the ball in.
It always makes me feel stunned when I see that many players have no clue how to use their head to score goals. Giroud knew it very well that’s why I miss him a lot. From the current players I believe Pavlovic might be the best when playing with head, but he is defender. It’s disastrous that we have several players in the forward department and no one knows how to use their head. Long gone are days when we had Van Basten, Sheva and Ibrahimovic…
When he is injured, he is a subject of debate, when he scores, he is not playing well, when the team looses, he is scrutinize, yet some fans and the Italian presses don’t want to accept his superiority as the best.
I guess his name sells like wildfire once there is a report about him, otherwise this right up is not necessary. Let Leao breath!!!