6 days ago
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Rafael Leao has been a gem for a few years now, and at one point, he was considered one of the most exciting talents in European football. Now, he is fulfilling that idea for AC Milan.
There are many variables to matching potential. Ultimately, there is a reason that there are more top-class prospects than world-class footballers. It is part and parcel of any sport; things cannot always go in a straight line.
With football, where the margins are so small, the difference between a good player and a great one is massive, and for Leao, who wants to be one of the best, it is all about changing things slightly.
So, when Massimiliano Allegri moved him centrally this season, the hope was that things might click more and they have.
From Sporting as a striker
He is among the top scorers in the division, and the Milan star has recorded one of the best goal-to-minute ratios in Italy. Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb (via MilanNews), Tiago Fernandes discussed his potential and how good he was during his time at Sporting, where he was a coach.
“Rafael is a special player for me. He always will be. I’ve coached him since he was 12, practically everywhere in Sporting’s youth teams. Only Cristiano Ronaldo, in Lisbon, had that talent at that age. He is, without a doubt, the best player I’ve ever had.
“His performance as a striker is nothing new; Rafael is a No. 9. He’s almost always played there. Ever since I was a kid, he reminded me of Ronaldo the Phenomenon: his speed, his technique, his finishing touches.
“Leao can play anywhere, in the best clubs in the world. He’s worthy of any team. It’s very exciting to see him shine at San Siro; it’s a reward for the many hours of work spent together on the pitch. We’ve been very important to each other, and today I’m really happy that he’s a key player at a great club like AC Milan.
“Allegri’s Milan is perfect for him to bring out all his qualities. I’m convinced he’ll score a lot this year and be happy.”
English (US) ·