Rafael Leao bagged an assist for AC Milan in the 2-2 draw against Salernitana but was still heavily criticised for his performance overall. The former Rossoneri man Alessandro Matri, on the other hand, defended the Portuguese winger.
Leao did well to assist Tomori for the opening goal but then struggled to impose himself on the left flank. In our player ratings, he was given a 5/10, also missing a big chance at the end which would have clinched the three points.
Speaking live on DAZN, as cited by MilanNews, the former Milan man Alessandro Matri defended the winger. He stated that the latter always seems to get the blame when the Rossoneri, even though there are clearly other issues at play currently.
“Maignan? The trajectory was a bit particular, but it’s a mistake that he usually doesn’t make. Does Leao have to unlock these games? It’s true and today he was missing, but you also cannot concede that much defensively. Every time Milan lose, it’s his fault apparently,” he stated.
Milan will take on Sassuolo on Saturday and Stefano Pioli only has two centre-backs: Simon Kjaer and the youngster Jan-Carlo Simic. It’s a crucial game for the future of the manager and it remains to be seen how the team will respond.
This kid just doesn’t help defensively. So when he doesn’t show up to a game offensively, or in any other way frankly, then yes, you have to call him out on his s**t…
But that’s Leao for you, like a pandora’s box. He will always be streaky. And we either accept that or gamble on his replacement.
Yes, the left winger is there to stop goals. And what is midfield doing? I don’t understand what is wrong with all of you people but you allegedly follow football. I can name over 10 wingers that don’t defend and their teams WIN.
His replacement is Pulisic (and Okafor). If a big money teams offer $80-90M this summer Milan will take it and re-invest, especially if Chuk keeps improving on the right.
Urgh Matri
But he is right, how is Leao to blame for the defense and midfield failing so miserably? Midfield is not even called out, they never defend properly. Look at Salernitana match and tell me what are they doing while Salernitana is attacking? Is Leao supposed to cover for Reijnders, RLC and whoever plays next to them????
never said he isnt right, i just dont like the dude
There is a big misunderstanding about Leao.
The normality is not for Leao to score 15-20 goals per season. He cannot shot, his is shooting technique is one of the worst I have never seen in a forward. If he scores 10 goals per season with that shooting is already a big result. It’s not an attitude problem, it’s a technical problem.
Did you even watch Milan games at all in the last 2 years? Leao cant shot?
Idk if you could be more wrong here
I think there is a huge misunderstanding inside your mind…
I have bene watching every single game of Ac Milan in the last years. How many times Leao has tried to shot with his right foot from 16-20 meters? How many times those shoots have been dangerous? How many slow high cross on the second post we have seen?
Even when he scores, his shoots are never clean and strong. He either gets the power and shoot to the stars or precision without power. He can only place the ball from short distances. If you deny that Leao has a technical problem with his shooting / long passes you simply don’t watch the games or you have never played football in your life.
The main reason why Mbappe scores 40 gol a season and Leao 10-15 is almost all due to shooting technique. The other is off-the ball movement and attacking the box, which is an aspect perhaps he can still improve.
Leao’s shooting (and crossing) technique is not top top notch, I agree, but I think you’re way way exaggerating when you say one of the worst you have seen. On the other hand, people are right to criticize since our entire offense essentially plays for him. He should have more numbers.
But honestly, discussing technical issues is pointless with the amount of injuries we have. Pep and his Man city squad could not handle one and a half muscle injuries per match. We need to fix this first (how is a different question), and then focus on anything else
Leao has many technical flaws. He is not a complete winger. He needs certain conditions to be in place before he can deliver. He plays well against attacking opponents and struggles against those who sit low. I have said it a few years ago, that to hype him is to harm him. He is now stagnant, 1999 is not a young age for a footballer no more, he is turning 25 in 6 months. Really think about it.
You mean the guy that brought the Sccudetto to Milan after that many years and was the MVP of Serie A? Horrible player. Name a winger that doesn’t struggle against low defense? Pulisic? 😀 What are you people smoking?
In my opinion Leao have only one positive attribute and it’s his speed. He have no vision, often drives into the opponent, sometimes can do a cross but often those are not good. Another flaw is he does have a bad mentality to arguing if things not going on the way he thinks it should also often just staying on front and doing nothing when needs someone to run back and defend. Not always his fault but the tactic also not suits to most players and because it is a team sport all of the team members have fails here and there.
A manager who can keeps hem on fire and have sense of tactic could be good. In my opinion a coach who demands them much more work and fitness is the ideal to win matches. A lot of our players are out of form.
LMAO
Usain Bolt should’ve been a great footballer then, better than Leao. He used to think so himself lol
Leao attitude when Milan looses possession is the problem. Once possession is lost, wingers become part of the defensive department. Teams who are doing well in Europe do all attacking, all defending. He can become great if he works on this. No top team in the world will entertain this attitude of walking lackadaisical when ur team is defending. Bragging about one scudetto is not enough. He is part of the reasons why Pioli is failing. Is about time we think about replacing him.
Tbh, Mike’s poor shot stopping is not that uncommon. Yes, he has wonderful saves, but more often than almost all serie a goalkeepers he will let in a shot that any pro should stop. Yes, he has other amazing qualities, but as a pure shot stopper he doesn’t seem to be that great.