Rafael Leao has become the cornerstone of AC Milan, and now his aim is also to become a leader for his country Portugal, starting with the current international break.
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) recalls how Leao played as a reserve in the winter World Cup in Qatar, scoring two goals as a substitute against Ghana and Switzerland.
Despite impressing on the biggest stage of all, the same fate awaited in the European Championship qualifiers in March as he came off the bench against Liechtenstein and then against Luxembourg (assist and goal). He spent 90 minutes on the bench against Bosnia in June and finally started against Iceland.
In the probable line-ups for tomorrow evening – when Portugal will challenge Slovakia in Bratislava – Leao is present in the side. He is expected to be on the left of a front three, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva.
On social media Leao left his message: “Maximum concentration for the next two matches towards our goal.” It was accompanied by two images of him smiling; one at the end of training and another in which he runs chased by a team-mate in a practice match.
Leao has the ball and that’s enough for him to smile. The other game will see Leao in action on Monday 11 against Luxembourg in the Algarve, another qualifier for the next European Championship in Germany.
The coach will probably manage the resources available owing to the fact that should be a simpler game on paper. The Milan fans will be attentive to Leao’s playing time, and he should be back in training at Milanello on Tuesday.
Of course he has to get a spot. He’s their best player.
I think he will be the captain after Bruno retires. Arguably, Leao is their best player alongside Bruno and Silva.
Oof I mean Rui Patricio