Leao is the hottest topic of this early spring. Yes, because Rafa's season so far has been complicated and full of obstacles and setbacks. A chronic groin injury and numerous (far too many) muscle problems have left him below his usual pace and standard.
So far, he has made 27 appearances and scored 10 goals, still a respectable return given the Portuguese player's season up to now. And yet, one way or another, Rafa has managed to return as a positive protagonist. After being jeered against Udinese, he provided an assist in Verona for Rabiot, leading to the only decisive goal of the match.
Is there a sign of recovery?
A decent, positive performance, thanks to the assist and the determination he showed, especially in the second half. Leao tried, he battled hard, but his physical condition is evident. You can talk about tactics, attitude, and formations, but athletic and muscular freshness matters more than anything, and it clearly affects a player's mindset. It hasn't been easy for Leao. There have been personal mistakes, but this year the Rossoneri number ten has completely changed his way of playing and positioning on the pitch under Allegri's ideas, and it hasn't always worked. Against Verona, though, it did. A fine through ball for Rabiot, a master of late runs and finishing. Victory and three points also bore Leao's mark.
Rafael Leao's numbers: assists on the rise
As reported by Transfermarkt, and not counting penalties won, Leao has recorded 80 official goals and 65 assists for Milan since 2019/20, the latest coming at the Bentegodi against Verona. Rafa has been one of Milan's most decisive players in recent seasons, despite some ups and downs. Consistency remains his real Achilles' heel. This season so far, he has scored 10 goals and provided three assists, as pointed out via Milan News today.
