5 days ago
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Rafael Leao’s position change has caught the attention of many, and Fabio Capello has suggested that he may be AC Milan’s best option.
If Milan were to lift the Scudetto this season, at least right now, several people could be credited with that success. Mike Maignan’s saves have been pivotal, Massimiliano Allegri’s tactics have been near perfect and then there is Leao.
In the summer, it seemed a lot of attention would be paid to the Portuguese, and this has remained the case. Allegri has taken him under his wing and moved him into a central position.
Right now, the results speak for themselves. He is among the best goalscoring forwards in Serie A, and this is with him also missing quite a few games with injury.
Leao and the Scudetto
Today, Fabio Capello has spoken to Gazzetta dello Sport about his and the Rossoneri’s seasons so far, and his opinion is extremely positive.
Capello, did you think you’d find Milan up there at this point in the season?
“Honestly, no, I didn’t expect it. I had faith in Allegri’s ability, but I didn’t think he’d be able to get into the players’ heads so quickly, especially considering what happened with AC Milan last year.
“A year ago, the team absolutely didn’t know how to position itself and defend. Max was able to bring order and balance. The players are the same as last year, but Rabiot and Modric also make the difference, a crucial filter that was missing the previous year.”
The wingers, Saelemaekers and Bartesaghi, are also different. How much of an impact do they have?
“The left flank with Theo, he had it. First, when he was going full steam ahead, and then last year when he wasn’t doing well at all. He had become the weak point of the line; opponents were broken down too easily on his side, and as a result, many goals came from there.
“I like Bartesaghi, on the other hand, and I judge him based on the games I’ve seen, but not only. I spoke to Mauro Tassotti about him, and he told me he’s good and has a future at AC Milan.
“You can trust anyone who sees him at work every day.”
Another key aspect of Allegri’s game is in attack: finishing off the chances he creates to the maximum. Is Milan succeeding with Leao?
“I think like Max: the one who concedes the fewest goals wins, not the one who scores the most. This doesn’t mean we can or should do better up front, and I’m referring to both Milan and Napoli. At first, I saw Leao uncomfortable in the centre-forward role, but then the goals gave him confidence, Allegri convinced him, and in the last two games I’ve seen him truly more relaxed, free, and cheerful.
“He also helps the team, participates, is involved, and probably also athletically fresher: he runs less because he’s not forced to drop back. But he’s equally responsible, he knows he has to be more clinical in the penalty area than ever.”
With Rafa like this, is there no need for a new centre forward on the market?
“A centre forward? Where are they? The ones who make the difference are held on to by the clubs that have them, and if there are any around, the English arrive first, then the Spanish, and finally us.
“But, transfer market aside, it depends on the coach’s tactical ideas: if necessary, he would need a player who fits his vision. Or someone who scores goals: you can never make mistakes there. Football is a simple subject: strikers have to score, goalkeepers have to save…
“It’s no coincidence that Milan have returned to the top right now that Maignan is making great saves.”
Disappointed with Nkunku?
“Against Lazio, for the first time, I didn’t mind him; I found him engaged and eager. We could call it a ‘waking up’. As for the goals, we’ll have to wait a little longer.”
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