After renewing his contract and taking the No.10 shirt, the expectations were naturally high heading into the season but Rafael Leao has struggled with consistency. The AC Milan legend Billy Costacurta has now weighed in on the matter.
Leao has managed four goals and three assists so far this season, which is by no means terrible. However, the Portuguese winger has struggled to impose himself at times, and we saw this against Salernitana even though he bagged an assist.
Speaking live on Sky Italia, as cited by MilanNews, the Rossoneri legend Billy Costacurta shared his thoughts on the matter. He questioned the 24-year-old’s role as a leader within the squad, failing to live up to the (albeit high) expectations.
“There are players who can manage in difficult times, and there are those that can’t. I think this is the issue. Milan have lost a lot of confidence and trust, what Pioli calls the magic.
“We talked about Leao earlier. Every now and then, a player has to force himself to come up with something, ensuring that the team perceives a certain attitude from the leaders. Is he a leader in this team? I don’t know, but if he wants to become one he must do more,” he stated.
Milan will take on Sassuolo this Saturday and it’s an important game in many ways. After nine games without a goal in the league, Leao will be looking to break his drought and lead the Rossoneri to a much-needed victory.
He’s not worthy of being a leader. I hate how the new management has given him the #10 jersey and are treating him like the only saviour of Milan, he’s not that good and he is not worthy of the importance he is getting.
Don’t be delusional, without Leao we would be nowhere, he’s no leader, and he asked for the No10 shirt. Not everyone is a leader, but both he and Theo were chosen by Pioli. Which says a lot about what he considers leaders. Calabria and Kjaer are the closest things we have to leaders, and Mike, not even Giroud has ever been considered a leader.
Billy has always seen Leao for what he is, not for what people delusionally wish he was.
I have always said this and will say this again.
The real backbone of the team is Tomori and Mike, followed by Kjaer, Calabria and Florenzi. They are the real leaders on and off the field.
We are no longer the team which is dependent on Leao and Theo for the goals and it is a positive thing.
This topic is so old…
Leao is not a leader nor does he want or have what it takes to be one.
He will always be streaky. On again, off again…
That’s what you get with all that talent and potential.
Let’s move on.
Yep