Rafael Leao played a crucial part in AC Milan’s narrow win against Roma on Sunday evening. After the game, the No.10 spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on the performance.
Milan struggled to get into rhythm at the start of the big clash, with Roma more or less dominating the proceedings at San Siro. However, in the 39th minute, Rafael Leao was released on the counter and did everything right to set up Strahinja Pavlovic for what ended up being the winner.
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Leao was subsequently named MOTM in our player ratings, given that moment changed the game. Speaking to DAZN afterwards, as transcribed by MilanNews, the No.10 discussed the performance and also made it clear that he always works for the team.
On the match…
“I work for the team. These games are incredibly difficult. It’s not just about one player’s talent, you must never give up as a team. They didn’t score early on and they didn’t score the penalty; it wouldn’t have been fair for the game. We are proud of the win and the standings.”
On his role…
“I’m available to the team. I can be a forward, centre-forward, attacking midfielder, or a winger. The important thing is to be at the coach’s disposal. Fortunately, I helped the team today; the important thing was clinching the points.”
On Maignan’s penalty save…
“He did well, yes.”
Considering that Santiago Gimenez has struggled at the start of this season, while Christopher Nkunku still needs time to get used to his new surroundings, Leao’s recent form has been crucial for Milan. Like we saw tonight, he can change games from out of nowhere.
And work he did. Pressing the Roma defenders and dropping back to help. And causing all sorts of problems when he ran at their defense.
You made me proud this afternoon boy. You showed what I told everyone who criticized you last week that you playing from the left wing is the best instead of false striker Allegri is making you to play.
I went straight to Facebook column to remind them
I agree
You must have changed their mind.
I believe in him and he made us proud, haters hide, over to the Italian press
Oh, shut up. He’s the most inconsistent would be star of Ac Milan in a very long time. He did is Job today for what he is being paid even though he still messed up some opportunities. Say what you want but Leao is contented with mediocrity. He has the potential, I would give him that but we have been saying that for 5 years now. You don’t know better than Billy and other football greats that have assessed his performances. You might love a player but that does not mean you should be subjective in your assessment. That’s hogwash. Let’s wait till May before giving accolades.
Leao works for the team first time in 50 matches and people are like “TAKE THAT HATERS!!!!”
Let’s see him work for 3 matches in a row. I know that’s a helluva lot to ask from him but others do that all season long so it shouldn’t (in theory) be too much to ask for. 🙂
In theory you should be able to understand football, in reality, you don’t.
Hey kiddo. Adults are talking here. No need for you to come barging in with your teen angst. We know you love the attention but no one here gives a fck about your comments.
You don’t like WC players that score match winning goals, turn in MVP performances and provide match winning assist? Ok, I understand you better now.
The last Scudetto Milan won was largely thanks to Leão’s brilliance, he practically carried the team on his shoulders. Let’s give this boy the respect he deserves. He’s only human, and has been our standout performer for the past five years.
Exactly, and his numbers are CONSISTENT. Not hard to check.
200 games, 120 G+A, that is inconsistent? You don’t even know what the word means. He has same numbers EVERY SEASON.
Billy was a defender who could only see from defensive point of view, and been a past player doesn’t make you an expert analyst or a good coach, same goes for Ambrosini a central midfielder who played 466 matches and barely just pass through 10% of that in G/A contribution compare to a player that decides matches for Milan against top opposition, that’s day and night, they should STFU and appreciate the boy, am sure if he was to be an Italian there would be little or no hatred
Leao and Ricci had A+ work rates. Asking Leao and nkunku to play with their backs to goal was a big ask and they never gave up on that ask. Leao stayed calm and grabbed his chances to run at Roma. If he can do something similar with Pulisic back, it will be a fantastic threat, especially for low block teams.
Soon as I saw Ndicka isolated vs him I knew it was over. Whenever Rafa hugs the byline and a defender is one on one with him I swear you can literally see the defender’s panic. Seems we need to manufacture this specific situation more often esp on the break.
The same goal as against Napoli. I’m not sure why isn’t this abused? Have Leao wait for the ball on counter and try this a few times every game if possible. And you just need one player that isn’t deadwood to be in the box and direct it goalwards. That is it. Pavlovic had to come forward to do it, if he didn’t nothing would happen. Does anyone want to swap Nkunku for a target man?
Napoli in CL quarter finals…