Costacurta critical of struggling Leao: “I expect something more from him”

AC Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta has stated that he expected more from Rafael Leao as he continues to struggle to find any form.

The new year has not been kind to Leao after a 2022 in which he helped Milan to the Scudetto win as the Serie A MVP and also began the current season well. He has played 11 games in 2023 so far, of which 9 have been from the first minute, with only 2 goals scored and the last of these dating back to January 14th.

Costacurta spoke on Sky Italia and he was asked for his thoughts on the difficult patch that Leao is going through, with his comments relayed by SempreMilan.it.

“I think the coach sees him as we see him. Expectations are always high, especially in high-level matches. Leao was only decisive in Zagreb if we talk about Europe, I expect something more from him especially in the games that count. And if the coach doesn’t let him play against Inter, it means that there is something…” he said.

Costacurta has been vocal in his criticism of Leao before as he spoke after the 0-0 draw against Spurs to secure progress to the Champions League quarter-finals and remarked that it was like Stefano Pioli’s team were ‘playing a man down’.