Rafael Leao continues to play through the pain barrier in the hopes of helping AC Milan’s cause, but he is having to play with the handbrake on.
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As MilanNews write, Leao’s season is a story of ‘brilliance and resilience’. The forward has been productive despite numerous physical issues since August, which have limited his consistency and the levels he is able to perform at. Yet, even in less than optimal conditions, his impact remains evident.
Still hurt, still decisive
Nine goals in 20 appearances this season, spread across just 1,281 minutes overall, is anything but a modest haul. It means making an impact frequently despite not being at peak condition for large stretches, like on Wednesday night when his goal earned a draw versus Como.
It also means Milan have been able to count on their most decisive player at 50%, perhaps even less, without ever truly having him at his best for a prolonged period. This fact demonstrates how Leao’s talent can still shift the balance of power, even when his athletic brilliance isn’t at its best.
Given this, it’s natural to wonder whether a longer lay-off, perhaps a full month, could have guaranteed Leao’s return to at least 80% fitness, thus ensuring greater consistency in the season’s crucial moments.
Management of discomfort is always the result of medical and technical evaluations, but the numbers suggest that a fitter% Leao could have made an even greater difference, earning his team even more points. If these are the results at half-power, what could he have done at top speed?