The goalless draw against Newcastle brings several indications for AC Milan. The positive ones are essentially three: keeping a clean sheet, Musah making a good impression, and the many chances created. But there are also three negatives: the two dropped points could weigh heavily in terms of qualification, the lack of finishing in front of goal, and Rafael Leao attitude.
AC Milan had many opportunities to score against Premier League side Newcastle. Rafael Leao, in particular could have done a lot more but he showed a sign of "excess narcissism", according to Calciomercato.com.
Leao took one touch too many before attempting a backheel shot when even just the tip of his foot would have been enough to beat Pope. The scoring statistics of the Rossoneri number ten, already excellent and improved in the last two years, could be extraordinary if he only acquired that precision (and a good dose of cunning) that are essential to truly become a world-class player.
It is okay to miss a goal: after all, it is part of football. However, the attitude displayed by the Portuguese left-winger cannot be tolerated, especially in the second half. It was uncharacteristic of the former Lille talent to commit many technical errors and little willingness to chase down the opponents.
Leao knows that he must now also become an emotional leader of the team, and the maturation process includes phases like this. That's why a change of course is needed, especially in the Champions League.
