Leao showing signs of leadership

Rafael Leao is rarely distant from media consideration. Whether or not it’s reward or criticism, everybody appears to have an opinion on AC Milan’s No.10.

What’s clear to everyone seems to be that Leao will not be taking part in at 100%, and hasn’t been for weeks now. After an preliminary groin pressure, the problem appears to have change into pubalgia which is affecting his regular bursts of tempo and darting runs.

But, Leao is discovering a technique to be productive. On Wednesday in opposition to Como, the Portuguese scored once more after nearly a month and a half with out one, pulling himself degree with Christian Pulisic because the joint-top scorer on eight Serie A objectives.

In doing so, Leao additionally turned solely the second participant to be concerned in not less than 10 objectives in every of the final six Serie A seasons (since 2020-21), after Lautaro Martínez. Leao has eight objectives and two assists this season, not dangerous for somebody taking part in largely at 50%, in a brand new place.

Indicators of management

Certainly, Leao is more and more turning into accustomed to taking part in as a centre-forward, a job that may enable him to attain extra objectives than previously as a result of he’s taking part in nearer to objective. It was not a given both, particularly as a result of in idea it limits his greatest energy: these tearing runs down the suitable.

In an interview with CBS Sports activities he make clear this transition: “Earlier than the beginning of the season, I used to be prepared for something. When Allegri advised me he wished to play me as a centre-forward, I advised him I used to be prepared. You possibly can rating extra objectives in that place. In soccer, numbers are essential: if you wish to be top-of-the-line, you need to rating objectives and supply assists.”

But, the indicators of Leao being a pacesetter transcend him actually main the road and lengthen to his actions on the pitch. After scoring the leveller on Wednesday night time, he didn’t take into consideration a private celebration and instantly ran to hug Mike Maignan, who had ‘gifted’ Como a objective within the first half.

It isn’t the primary time, both. Within the 1-1 draw in opposition to Genoa in early January, he scored the last-minute equaliser and went to hug Youssouf Fofana on the bench, who was nonetheless feeling down after a evident first-half miss.

The vice-captain, who’s now a father to younger twins, can be attempting to encourage away from the sector. In fact, no person within the squad can enable themselves to consider that the seven-point hole between them and Inter is unbridgeable, but it surely’s one other factor to publicly state it.

With 39 factors nonetheless to play or, Leao made his ideas recognized with a easy caption on Instagram: “It’s a marathon.” The photograph was of himself and the Milan emblem. The message was clear: there’s an extended technique to go, and the Rossoneri are going to push all of it the way in which.

As a remaining level, after the tie with the Lariani, Leao made an impassioned plea to the Milan supporters in his post-match interview with DAZN, urging them to again the workforce within the decisive second of the season.

“This can be a time of the season the place I ask all of the followers to indicate the identical power. I perceive the boos after this draw as a result of Milan followers all the time wish to win, however there comes an essential second of the season the place all of us have to stay collectively.”

There’s nonetheless the derby to be performed on the second weekend of March. If that had been a win, it might be a season-changing night time that sparks a particular comeback. Leao needs to be entrance and centre once more.