But how can it be that Gonçalo Ramos leaves Milan and suddenly becomes an unstoppable goalscorer? A goalscorer with Portugal but struggling with the Rossoneri? None of that. The numbers are obviously different, but they need to be put into context and, of course, they are secondary to actually watching the matches with your own eyes.
So what do the statistics tell us about the No. 9?
With the national team, he has played four matches, compared with six for Milan. He has scored more, three goals to one, and has a higher goals-per-minute ratio. He has played fewer minutes with Portugal but has more shots overall, more shots on target and a higher xG value, as pointed out via Milan News.
What does all of this mean?
Gonçalo Ramos, different numbers for Portugal and Milan:
- Matches: 4 - 6
- Minutes/match: 68.7 - 89
- Goals: 3 - 1
- Shots/match: 3.6 - 2.8
- Shots on target/match: 1.96 - 0.6
- xG/match: 0.81 - 0.32
First of all, it tells us that Ramos is a lively, quality striker who makes a difference in a top-level team like Portugal. Even though he is under all the pressure of being the “replacement” for a temperamental and childish Cristiano Ronaldo, who literally abandoned the team and his teammates following disagreements with head coach Jorge Jesus, as relayed via Milan News.
Ramos, however, is the same player we have seen at Milan. The same ability to link up play, the same great work rate, the same first-time touches and the same tactical intelligence. He even has the same “flaws”. In the latest match against Norway, just a few seconds before the goal, Jorge Jesus loudly signalled to him to move into the penalty area. The move developed, a cross came into the box, João Félix flicked it on and Ramos scored. His other goals? A lob from 20 metres after taking advantage of a goalkeeper’s mistake, showing great presence of mind throughout the match and an excellent willingness to press, and a left-footed finish after a beautiful midfield combination with Bruno Fernandes, who played him through.
What changes compared with AC Milan?
The context. Gonçalo is the same, the player remains the same, with great strengths and a few weaknesses. Amorim and his teammates will have to be good enough and capable of putting him in the best possible conditions to make a difference, just as he has done with the national team. Of course, having Nuno Mendes, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Cancelo and the rest around him certainly helps (Leão is even a substitute). Milan, meanwhile, are a team under construction, still looking for consistency and established patterns in many situations. It is important, however, that the environment remains very positive about Ramos, without unfairly piling unnecessary and decontextualised criticism on him.
