Rafael Leao was one of the key players for AC Milan in their 0-0 draw against Borussia Dortmund, but still received criticism afterwards. Mario Balotelli has now defended him, hitting back at Antonio Cassano.
The winger created a couple of very good chances for the Rossoneri but his teammates failed to hit the back of the net. As one would expect these days, Leao ended up in the spotlight again after the game and not just in a positive way.
Antonio Cassano really went after Leao, stating that he needs to create at least ten chances to make up for his defensive work. Speaking to Vox to Box, as cited by MilanLive, Mario Balotelli chimed in and defended the Portuguese winger.
“Cassano’s Leao-Alvarez comparison? Playing for Man City and Milan today is completely different. Playing in Italy is one thing, in England it’s another. Leao is fantastic, he has immense talent. He certainly finds himself in a difficult situation, because Milan is on his shoulders.
“There is a risk that he will be ruined because he has demonstrated his value, but he’s yet to prove it consistently. Now it’s too easy to attack Leao because he has all the responsibility on his shoulders. I love Antonio, he was a footballer too, but he wouldn’t have accepted a comment like that either,” he stated.
Milan will play Genoa tomorrow and Leao is expected to be in the starting XI. It remains to be seen if he can silence the critics, as he has done so many times before.
