As often happens in big games where he does not get on the scoresheet, Rafael Leao’s performance against Bayer Leverkusen is dividing opinion among fans and the media.
As Calciomercato.com‘s Daniele Longo writes, the most positive note was probably Youssouf Fofana who took the keys to the midfield and gave an almost omni-present performance, showing exactly what he can bring as the balancer of the side.
The most interesting note concerns Leao: against the German champions he was unable to score or assist as much as he would have liked, but the work for and with the team was excellent, meaning the winger must start again from here.
Leao’s performance at the BayArena divided the fans as often happens. However, those who are dissatisfied are smaller in numbers than those who appreciated the fighting spirit shown on the field by the former Lille man.
He was not always perfect in defensive retreats, but he certainly showed himself to be attentive and fully applied particularly during what was a difficult first half spent mostly defending. Rafa is working on some aspects that he previously neglected, now he wants to become complete and mature.
Several factors have made this start to the season complicated for Leao. We are still far from seeing the best version of the 25-year-old, but Fonseca is asking him to work differently defensively which requires some time to adjust to.
However, there is also the fact that cannot be ignored: what everyone expects from Leao is a goal that decides a match or an assist that breaks it open, given he is the highest-paid player and he is now entering his sixth season at the club.
pls sell him. We want the Nico Williams
Good luck with that…
I don’t understand this continuous attack on Leao.
When Milan wins Leao is good otherwise sell him and he is useless.
Milan’s midfield is still fragile so don’t expect much from key attacking players. Just look how Kvaratskhelia’s performance changed from Spaletti to Rudi Garcia then now with Conte.
Leao is trying and even having extra training sessions to “understand” Fonseca’s system and soon we will see if that system is reliable or just another version of Fonseca’s Roma.
Yawn …
Watch the game yesterday with a focus on Leao.
He was good at tracking back and being in the right area out of possession. (Something it took Chuk 3/4 of the season to figure out)
Note that Leao is in position, but poor at the actual skills requires to defend. This is everything from knowing where his help is to hip and shoulder position.
Given his ability to adapt to where to be on the field so quickly. Given his athletic gifts. There is an open question about his willingness to work at these details.
Taking those three aspects into account we will know by Jan if he is able to be a complete player.
During that time he will not be out on the left waiting for that one pass that allows him to run around defenses. So he has to work harder to push forward from farther back or farther inside. It is natural his impact on the game will not be what we are used to.
He is being asked to change the impact he has on the game.
We have to wait anyway for the Jan window, or more realistically the summer. So I will continue to root for Rafa’s evolution into a more complete player.
If you are just calling for him to be sold now you are wasting electrons.
Forza Milan.