Rafael Leao has been reported to be the man Massimiliano Allegri trusts to lead his AC Milan team forward. Can he be central literally, though?
Working Leao out is a difficult one. Many managers have tried it before, and there are several who probably wish to do so. However, it is proving to be a task bigger than a dream at this point. There is no denying his quality, but it’s where he can reach the next level.
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He is the star in the Milan team; there is no questioning that. However, there is a belief held that he can go past being great and become one of the best in the world.
Leao’s future
Paulo Fonseca, Sergio Conceicao, and now Allegri have all had different ideas, the latest of which being to play him as a striker. His performance against Juventus did not show someone ready for that position.
Andrea Longoni, this afternoon, wrote a column for Calciomercato.com about the situation and why doubts are in place.
“A huge, incandescent chapter is opening up, which will surely be discussed during the break: his name is Rafa Leao. Can he be AC Milan’s number 9?
“I had some doubts in the summer. I kept him on board along the way since he didn’t play, and after yesterday, perhaps the doubts are even stronger. The two goals he missed are significant. A centre-forward can’t miss certain opportunities: you have to score at least one of the two, but the Portuguese missed on both occasions.
“One of the cornerstones of Allegri’s tactical plan, namely the use of Leao as a number 9, is still up for debate. We’ll see the answers after the break, but the awareness remains that to do that job, Rafa still has a lot of hard work to do and a lot of learning to do.
“He needs to be more aggressive and hungry on the pitch, something he’s been criticised for his entire life. Overall, however, the glass is almost full: after facing Napoli and Juve, finding himself two points off first place isn’t bad at all.”
Hmmm lot of articles on……wait a minute… We’re on international break again aren’t we? 🤔
He’s had less than 90 minutes playing that role…
Exactly. It’s not his role. Never has been, never should be. Either we use a formation with wingers and play Leao where he’s best, or shift Leao and bring in a proper no. 9. It would be best for both parties. Now all we have are half measures. Period.
Why should we change our system just for him? It’s not worth the risk. We’re doing just fine without him. He can be lazy all he wants if he converted those chances.
He has to play off the striker. He doesn’t have the mental capacity like Haaland who doesn’t mind not touching the ball for ages. Leao needs the ball early and often. Him playing as the furthest forward is not getting the best out of him. Playing off the striker with room to roam and drifting is the best way to get utilise Leao.
a 3 4 3 would solve this issue.
It doesn’t really solve the issue because then you’re stuck with Gimenez as the only striker. Who subs in for him? I don’t think Pulisic or Nkunku are any better suited to that role than Leao is.
There’s no reason the whole system should be tailored to him, he isn’t Messi or a secret footballer of this age, he should adapt to the new system or be left behind.
Pulisic has adapted, same as the other players who were used to a differnt system. He is a professional for a reason and the highest paid in the team. If he has the qualities, adaptation shouldn’t be an issue, after all Mbape adapted in Madrid.
Spot On Dave !!!
you know ball!!!
Well said.
And also… Why should we change a winning formula to suit Leao? The guy plays one good match and then goes missing for 5. You want to trade 5 clean sheets & 5 wins for the “same old story” from last season? 🙂
Leao is a below average number nine because his work rate is not strong enough for that role. Even an old man like Giroud did more running than Leao up there. He needs a system where he can come off the wing. 3-5-2 doesn’t do that. Milan should probably try and sell him for big $$$ instead.
He doesn’t need to come off the wing. He needs to be involved getting on the ball more. Him playing as a roaming SS allows one of Rabiot Fofana RLC too attack the space he vacates if he drifts wide/drops deeper in a 352. Him drifting out to the wing/flank/half space can create overloads and advantages with the WB which then allows the opposite flank unmarked to attack the box.
This is probably the only way it works with two of Leao/Pulisic/Nkunku on the pitch at the same time. Basically playing two false nines bringing midfielders into play.
Sure, but do you remember a while ago when we spoke about his poor positioning and inability to take runs off the ball. Yesterday he was spot on. Weather he can work with Puli, or we will need Gimenez there is another question, but he can be a second striker any time.
I agree 100%. We already know Leao can finish. He’s done that many times. But his run yesterday for Modric’s awesome feed was perfect and he left Juvi’s defenders stuck to the turf. If he can do that a few times against Fiorentina and put the ball in the net, all will be forgiven.
Joe, you just don t get it !!!! Leao does not fit into the system of the way we are playing.
Tell that to Allegri. He doesn’t seem to agree with you.
He’s score one goal in less than 90 minutes of competitive action, that’s actually really good. Lorenzo Lucca has scored one goal in six games I’m starting to think he’s not cut out for the striker position either. Stuff like this really shows what a joke these mainstream Italian journalists are, seriously these guys have no credibility left. What an idiotic take
Sell him in January. It isnt about adapting to new position. He is just so lazy, nonchalant and with really bad work ethic.
Alonso has a similar player in Real Madrid and guess what he isnt playing neither. Leao is 26 years old and he is the same immature guy that he always was.