Rafael Leão’s future at Milan, after a season of controversy, ups and downs, and numerous injuries, seems to be hanging by a thread.
Leão’s season numbers:
And yet the Rossoneri number 10’s campaign had started brilliantly, with a goal after just 14 minutes in the first official match of the new era under Max Allegri on the bench, against Bari in the Coppa Italia.
Soon after, however, came the first setback: in the 17th minute of the match at San Siro, the 1999-born forward went off with a muscle problem that kept him out of action until the first leg against Napoli on 29 September, where he came on late in the game.
From that moment on, he produced 9 goals and 3 assists in 24 Serie A appearances. His impact on Milan’s overall performance has been widely noted, with the team consistently looking more dangerous when he is in form. That influence is also reflected beyond the pitch, with performance tracking and betting markets often reacting to his availability and sharpness, with sports betting - 1xbet.com.zm/en how Milan’s odds tend to shorten when he is performing at his best, directly contributing 15 points for Milan, a figure surpassed only by the 17 points brought to Napoli by Rasmus Højlund through his goal contributions.
The usual criticism:
Leão’s performances, this season playing consistently for the first time since joining Milan as a central striker in a two-man attack rather than as a left winger in a front three, have not always been of a high level.
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The criticism directed at him is always the same: apart from bursts of inspiration, which have become less frequent in his new role, he is too often barely involved during matches, both in general play and in finishing moves.
However, the data suggests a clear improvement in his finishing, since in the league he averages a goal or assist every 137 minutes. These are not elite striker numbers, but they are not negative either, especially for a player who has had to deal all year with physical issues that often prevented him from training with the group during the week, yet still playing at weekends.
Certainly, by moving centrally and also due to various injuries, he has lost what for years was one of his greatest strengths: one-on-one duels on the wing to create numerical superiority.
Criticism can always be made, but in this case it is simply a transformation wanted by coach Massimiliano Allegri, not a decline as many are trying to suggest.
Uncertain future:
However, as mentioned, despite still being statistically the most decisive player in the squad, rumours of a possible summer departure are becoming increasingly persistent. Usual transfer speculation or truth?
We do not yet know, but the idea that a separation would benefit both sides is hard to accept. Leão has many flaws and the decisive step forward many expected may never arrive, but his attachment to the shirt (even with outbursts when substituted or communication mistakes) has always been evident.
A transfer can be considered, of course, but only for suitable offers. It should not be taken lightly, and any potential replacement would need to be chosen with extreme care, because finding a new Leão will not be easy.
