When Massimiliano Allegri took his first steps as Milan coach, one of his priorities was calling Rafael Leao. June, summer, holidays: the Portuguese still answered. And he answered positively. The ex Juventus coach wanted to stress how important he was for him, how central he was to Milan’s project, how much he needed him to stay. So, the number 10 stayed. And under Allegri he is developing to the point of playing as a number 9.
First minutes as a 9
Allegri started working with the Portuguese with a clear goal: turning him from a winger into a striker. This seems to suit the number 10 after what he showed in 17 minutes against Bari and, above all, during the summer friendlies, where he formed a strong attacking duo with Pulisic. Many solutions emerged, but above all a header goal like a true center forward. More than that, Leao looked different: in his positioning, in how he interpreted the role, in his attitude. In everything. And that pleases Allegri, who sees him as a key asset to bring Milan back where it belongs.
Return
In the first two league matches Milan had to do without him because of a calf problem, but from the Bologna match he will be available again, at least during the game. With him on the pitch, Milan know they are a different team. He did not train with the group today either, since his recovery is being handled with maximum care and caution, as relayed via Milannews.it.
