Ruud Gullit has offered some advice to Rafael Leao, while also suggesting that Joshua Zirkzee is exactly who AC Milan should be looking at in the summer.
Gullit knows all about dealing with pressure given that he moved from PSV to Milan in 1987 for a world record transfer fee, forming a trio of Dutchmen at the club which included Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard.
He won three Serie A titles and two European Cups with Milan before leaving for Chelsea in 1995, and a year later was appointed the club’s player-manager. Gullit won the Ballon d’Or in 1987, wearing the No.10 shirt and often leading the attack.
Gullit spoke to Carlo Pellegatti about Leao, a player who shares the same number he used to have and can equally be be considered a leader of the attack
“He must keep doing what he’s doing, the more experience he gets, the better. He’s a player who can help Milan fight for the title even if this season has been different because Inter are doing really well,” he said.
Van Basten stated that Leao reminds him a bit of Gullit, who then went on to talk about the difference between Serie A in his time versus now.
“It was a different era. Every Serie A club had three champions, now we must fight against the money coming from England, which is difficult. Nowadays, many big players are in other countries,” admitted Gullit.“
He then added some comments on his compatriot Joshua Zirkzee, the centre-forward who continues to attract a lot of interest with his performances for Bologna.
“I saw him with the U19s, my son was there who played there together. The thing that drives me crazy is that he always manages to be in the right place. He doesn’t do much to get to the right place, but he’s always there.
“It’s a special thing for a striker. He also knows how to finish. I’m happy for him. I hope that after Bologna I can go to an even stronger team, now they are playing well and growing.”
Gullit was an insane player. Can play anywhere on the field and his physique was quite imposing
Indeed he was, i had a huge flag of him with his long hair above my bed as a kid while ac mian only had 11 scudettos or something. Unfortunately i doesnt have that flag anylonger but what i would give to have it back again.
He is the reason I started supporting AC Milan form1989, he mesmerised me at Euro 88
He definitely was part of it for me as well Malik but the 3 dutchmen and maldini and baresi played a big part in it overall as well.
@Martin the long locks Gullit was the best (I think prime or icon moments on FIFA has that pic). Didn’t like the short Gerry curl looking one 😂😂😂 But man what a beast of a player.