Former striker heaps praise on Leao’s ‘great season’: “Milan have made a great purchase”

Former striker Rolando Bianchi believes that AC Milan pulled of an impressive coup when they signed Rafael Leao from Lille.

The Portugal U21 international joined the Rossoneri during summer 2019, becoming the club’s third signing of the window in a €28m deal. Leao revealed his delight to have sealed a move to the San Siro upon his arrival, while reports have claimed that Milan’s coaching staff were left surprised by his first few training sessions.

Fast forward to now, and the growth of the forward is evident through statistics but also maturity. Last season he amassed six league goals in 31 appearances and was inconsistent for large portions, while this season he has 10 goal contributions (5G, 5A) in just 19 games.

Not only that, but he has been deployed as a left winger, as a centre-forward and even as an attacking midfielder, showing his versatility and commitment to the cause.

Bianchi spoke about Leao during an interview with Sky Italia, and had nothing but praise for him.

“Leao is very young and is having a great season. Sometimes young people give the impression of mirroring themselves a bit, but his performance are that of a great player,” he said (via MilanNews).

“I had seen him at the U20 World Cup with Portugal and he made spectacular plays. He has great speed, he has a touch of the ball. Milan have made a great purchase and if they continue like this they have great prospects.”