Rafael Leao (53 goals + 40 assists) is the only player with at least 40 goals and 40 assists in the last six Serie A seasons.
The Rossoneri number 10 has been involved in five goals (4 scored + 1 assisted) in the last five league matches. At the Tardini against Parma, he showed defensive vulnerability as Milan conceded twice to what had been the weakest attack among the top five European leagues.
But he gained an important confirmation for the present and the future: Rafael Leao is making major progress in his evolution from winger to pure center forward. The Portuguese forward was Milan's best player on the pitch in terms of quality, intensity, and attitude, trying to lift the team in the final minutes. That brilliant move, the backheel through an opponent's legs to send Christian Pulisic through on goal, still cries out for justice. A technical gesture of pure class.
Leao's relationship with Massimiliano Allegri:
Milan cannot do without Rafael Leao. Beyond excessive criticism, personal taste, or debates about his strengths, limits, and development, for six years the team's best moments have been tied to the Portuguese international, his instincts, and his plays. To bring out the best version of the number 10, the coach's role is crucial, especially his ability to motivate a huge but sometimes lazy talent. This is why the relationship with Allegri must become a key factor this season. Leao said yesterday to DAZN: "We talk a lot about football and life in general. He has experience, knows how to manage us young players well, and having such a figure is important."
Leao's evolution technically and tactically:
Allegri has never hidden his admiration for Leao. Before returning as Milan's coach, eleven years after his last spell, he already had a clear idea that marked a break from the recent past: to turn Leao into a real center forward. A risky and ambitious move, meant to push the player toward the definitive step in his growth, as he has always lacked the final spark. The process is not complete yet, but after early struggles against Napoli and Juventus, the progress made by Leao over the last month is encouraging. Against Parma, he played well with his back to goal, helped the team move up the pitch, and worked hard off the ball, chasing everything and everyone. He also did well in aerial duels, setting up runs from Nkunku and the midfielders. Not to forget, he scored his second penalty in two attempts, solving a major issue from last season: Milan now has its penalty taker, as relayed via those at Calcio Mercato.
How the attack is changing:
If two signs make proof, the last two performances confirm all of Nkunku's struggles. The Frenchman looks like a faded copy of the prolific finisher once admired at Leipzig. Christopher plays on tiptoe, light, and never incisive. With Pulisic returning, he will fall back in the pecking order, forcing questions about the real reasons behind his signing. Allegri risks having only two reliable forwards out of four, a situation that requires serious reflection to understand whether there's any chance of reviving Nkunku and Gimenez, who are far from the level of starters Leao and Pulisic.
