Rafael Leao got his first goal of the season on Friday night during the win against Roma with an acrobatic effort, and now he wants at least another 19 more.
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) dedicated a segment to Leao, remarking how the goal is what stood out during the match at the Olimpico in round three of the season, but Leao also ran a lot, pressed and supported his team-mates from the bench once he came off.
In short, we are watching an increasingly strong, mature and involved Leao. Even Stefano Pioli stated that he has ‘superpowers, but he must make them available to the team’ before the start of this season and the player is repaying him for his trust.
The winger will likely have to score at least 20 goals in Serie A to give the Rossoneri the 20th Scudetto in their history, which would result in the second star. This is an objective within reach for the new No.10, who got 15 last season.
After the masterpiece goal in Rome, there will be the derby as a test for Leao. In his first two seasons at Milan he scored six goals in the league, however as the number of assists increased, the number of goals also increased. He scored 11 in the Scudetto season and, as mentioned, 15 in the last campaign.
In 2022-23 he also managed to show off in the Champions League and now he no longer plays like a soloist, instead demonstrating an ability to put all his talents at the disposal of the team.
The average number of successful passes has progressively risen from 10.74 in 2019-20 to 16.67 today. Passes that also take place in the Rossoneri’s half of the pitch.
Leao also touches twice as many balls as in his first Milan season and is statistically more dangerous in terms of opportunities created and touches of the ball in the opponent’s area.
More responsible and mature, Leao is therefore looking for the important, dual mission with Milan. If he were to succeed, he would give considerable joys to Milanisti.
20 goals?!! Pfft….. He should gun for 30, including braces and hatricks
I think having Puli on the RT gives Leao more room and space to run his riots on the LT. I’m genuinely curious how this season plays out for him.