Former Portuguese centre-forward who played for Fiorentina and Benfica, Nuno Gomes, had a lot of praise to say about AC Milan's Portuguese left-winger Rafael Leao.
The retired footballer said the following statements to the official microphones of La Gazzetta dello Sport:
"Surprised by his progress? I have known him well since he was fifteen, I have always followed him in the Portuguese youth national teams. And he made the difference even then: he hit me right away. I know perfectly well what he is capable of. If anything, this was the season of his international consecration. He was the man who decided many of the key challenges. Because he is really like this: he can win games alone, with a shot, an acceleration, with a flick of a phenomenon."
Does Leao remind you of any players from your career?
"He has the characteristics of a sprinter, plus he is powerful, has great ball control in the race, and is technically very strong. Today he is among the best in the world in his role. He reminds me of Thierry Henry, as Pioli has already said. But I would also add Adriano for the strength and in certain moments also Ronaldo the Phenomenon for the explosiveness."
Nuno Gomes on Rafael Leao being worth 100 million euros today:
" Already from last year to today he has improved a lot and will be able to do so again in the future. For example, he can add more chances and more goals to his game: he can become one of the best in this too. If he takes it into his head to stay closer to the goal and if he gets these instructions from the coach he will do it: today sometimes he goes to settle in areas further away from the area. For a foreign striker to make his way in Serie A is more difficult for the defensive preparation of all the teams. If you pass the Italian exam, you are really ready. He has already imposed himself this year, but next year he can be even more decisive."
