Rafael Leao has become somewhat of a perfect symbol of Milan’s youth project: a work in progress, but with signs that there is incredible potential.
As MilanNews writes, Milan are a club accustomed to immediate results and not to building towards a target. Over the last few years, the absence of short-term goals and the lack of progress made supporters angry and impatient.
Of course patience is an important virtue but at the same time it is not an inexhaustible resource, and that is something which extends to how fans and the media view certain players too, as Rafael Leao knoews.
Comparing the first three months of Leao’s 2019-20 season – his first with Milan – the current one, it seems as though we could almost be comparing two different players. As of 1 February 2020, Leao had made 16 appearances, with two goals and an assist. Of these 16 appearances, only eight were starts.
In 2021-22, Leao has featured in 22 games played across league and cups, with 15 starts including six goals and four assists. Leao has played in three roles too: as a left winger, a striker and on Saturday as an attacking midfield.
Despite the fact that the signs are already excellent regarding the 21-year-old’s development, the report adds that there is still ample room for growth. His tactical maturity is coming on leaps and bounds as the Portuguese has been able to fill multiple roles on the attacking front.
The article concludes with the following: “From mystery object to undisputed protagonist: the talented footballer (and rapper) Leao is ready to grow further.”
