There has been a lot of debate regarding Rafael Leao’s best position since he arrived at AC Milan from Lille, but the change in formation has intensified it even further.
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport has taken a look at whether the change in formation from a 4-2-3-1 to a three-man defence could be behind Leao’s recent struggles in form, given that he has gone two months without a goal now.
Looking at his ‘previous’ position as the left winger, the Portuguese forward player 27 times there this season scoring nine goals at an average of 0.33 per game. He registered 2.89 shots per 90 minutes and 1.96 successful dribbles, as well as 0.26 assists and 1.52 chances created.
Looking at how he operates as a left-sided attacking midfielder in a 3-4-2-1, Leao is so far yet to score in seven games in that position, shooting less (2.43 times per game) and assisting less too (0.14 per 90). However, he completes more dribbles (3.43) and just about creates more chances (1.57).
So what if he is more central. For the money he is asking he should be able to adapt to a position “closer to goal” I bet lauriente could do it better. First year in serie A and he already has 7
Naaah, let’s blame everyone else but Leao. It’s Pioli’s & his teammates’ fault that he isn’t delivering those 7-9M€ performances. After all, he’s the “reigning MVP” so it cannot be his fault. 🙂
Also, M&M is to blame too because they’re “lowballing him” (direct quote from a regular visitor of this site) with “embarrassing” offers. 🙂
Completely agree
Also, M&M is to blame too because they’re “lowballing him” (direct quote from a regular visitor of this site) with “embarrassing” offers. 🙂
So… In summary. Leao is the victim here. 😀
In 3 5 2 lautaro martinez is 100 times more stronger player as striker than Rafa.
In 4 2 3 1 Milan had stronger attack but defense was disastrous.
It was easy for Leao to play attack in 4 2 3 1 when others were running like lunatics, in 3 5 2 defense is more compact so we don’t need player like Leao to come back and play defence.
Milan will lose if Leao goes for free, but if we sell him, Milan will earn a lot and have new potential to bring more better player than Leao