Rafael Leao’s season so far suggests that he has turned a corner and has become the devastating, consistent player the fans and management hoped he would.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) writes how after two years of acclimatisation and of ups and downs, the Portuguese winger has very much changed pace in 2021-22 just as he does when he gets the ball on the right wing and runs at his man.
Leao has grown in just about all of the major numbers starting with goals: he has 9 in Serie A this season which already 3 more than those scored in both previous seasons. He has practically doubled the number of shots taken: 64 this season against 36 and 34 respectively in 2020-21 and 2019-20.
Above all he began to beat his man with consistency: he has 91 successful dribbles this season and last year he managed ‘only’ 41. It is an all-round explosion, which was certainly always possible given the potential of the former Lille man was never doubted.
Leao has also grown in the non-possession phase as this campaign he has recovered 86 balls which is about 20 more than last year, and it should be noted that there are still 4 games to go.
