As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's edition, Leao is limited by the change in formation and by the ongoing contract issue. The numbers reflect a decline: zero goals since playing more centrally, and increased predictability. Since February 5th, the date of the derby and debut of the new system, Leao's average shots on target have decreased (from 0.74 to 0.57), as well as his total shots (from 2.89 to 2.43), and most importantly his goals (from 9 in 27 games to 0 in 7 overall appearances, with the last one dating back to January 14th against Lecce).
Rafa is objectively less involved in the team's gameplay: his average assists have dropped (from 0.26 to 0.14), as well as his total passes (from 20.33 to 18.43) and successful passes (from 15.74 to 13). However, it's not a physical issue as he is in good condition. Meanwhile, he has absorbed the workload of Serie A and has been working with a personal trainer, Francisco Martins, primarily on strength training. It can't be an issue of fatigue as Rafa was suspended against Fiorentina, and against Sassuolo and Inter, he began on the bench by technical choice.
