AC Milan’s performances and results seem to be inextricably linked to those of winger Rafael Leao, according to a report.
As Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews) writes this morning, Leao seems to be the determining factor in this Milan side. When he’s there and he’s on form, like a week ago against Napoli, he and the team seem impossible to stop.
However, when he is left on the bench or is subdued, the Rossoneri don’t get going quite how they did at the Maradona. Once again on Friday evening against Empoli, Pioli’s team found themselves Leao-dependent.
At the moment there is no replacement in the squad for Leao. Against Empoli two days ago the Portuguese was replaced by Ante Rebi , both to recharge his batteries in view of the Champions League and due to feeling some discomfort that saw him sit out a couple if training sessions.
The result was a much more predictable and static Milan, without anywhere near the same free-flowing attack as we saw against the league leaders. Leao Brahim and Giroud came off they bench and as soon as they did, they started creating chances.
Leao has missed two games in the league so far due to suspension and he was always present in the other games. He has 10 goals and 7 assists in Serie A, the best in both categories for the Rossoneri, and Pioli cannot do without him.
For this reason, on Wednesday at the San Siro when the Rossoneri will meet Napoli again in the Champions League, he will put all of the star players back onto the pitch because it is a game they cannot afford to not be at their best.
