While a lot of attention was rightly on the new signings, the strongest image from AC Milan’s win over Empoli last night might be the hug between Sergio Conceiçao and Rafael Leão.
As Calciomercato.com recall, Conceicao thanked the ‘strongest talent in the squad’ for scoring the goal that brought three important points for the chase for fourth place, an ‘enormous symbolic message’ after a difficult night.
A necessary premise is that Leão was not 100% due to a small problem with his ankle. This can be considered the unofficial version to explain the winger’s second consecutive start on the bench bench after the one against Roma.
Against Empoli the former Lille man was sent on the pitch by Conceicao at the start of the second half, and showed that he can make the difference even at 80% of his condition. He scored his fifth league goal with the least-used move in his repertoire: a header.
Leao being on the bench this season is certainly not a novelty given it had already happened several times even in the fleeting management of Paulo Fonseca. The novelty lies entirely in the different attitude of the Portuguese, who came on with great determination both vs. Roma and Empoli.
Rafa understood that Conceicao’s choices are made for the good of the team but also for his own because now he will be able to take the field in Rotterdam against Feyenoord on Wednesday in better physical condition.
Sergio expects a lot from him, both in the possession phase and without the ball, but he wants to continue this path one step at a time. The willingness received from Leao is maximum and positive, which suggests he is turning a corner from a mentality perspective.
I know Leao frustrates everyone when he does.t press as hard as the rest of the front line, and doesn’t track back aggressively on defense….but what I have never been able to explain is why he doesn’t attack the back post when the ball is crossed from the other side. I think he could easily have another 5 goals a season if he does this. Yesterday proved that he can do it.
In all honesty I am tired of caring more than Laeo.
Only strongest stayed at Milan from scudetto: Mike, Tomori, Theo, Leao, and Italian – Gabbia.
Who knows why bad game against Dinamo Zagreb will benefit for Milan in the future.
In summer I hope for stronger squad than this winter.
You mean Tonali, kessie, Bennacer are not strong player’s?
To think we could have had a midfield with both reminders and Tonali
Actually, the last two games Leao has been more involved on the defensive side. All I expect is for him to get back to help the team keep its shape. Do I expect him making challegnes for the ball – no. But he needs to fill up space to make the other team have to make another pass to progress the ball.