GdS: ‘Milan above everything’ – how Leao is proving his dedication this season

AC Milan had a rest day yesterday, as has been a common occurrence this season. However, Rafael Leao showed up, ready to work. 

It is nothing new for Milan to have rest days, especially in the middle of a busy calendar. After all, playing five games in 18 days is challenging and Massimiliano Allegri does not want to overwork his side.

That does not mean players can’t show up to training, though.

Training on an off-day

So, yesterday at Milanello, three players checked in: Santiago Gimenez, Alexis Saelemaekers and finally, Leao.

As Gazzetta dello Sport writes (seen below), the first two were reporting for recovery, but for the Portuguese, the scenario is different. Instead, he can be defined as a ‘workaholic’, as opposed to an unavailable player.

Since the summer, perhaps before, he has adapted his mindset, becoming a ‘dedicated professional’, ensuring his team can rely on him as a centre forward, whilst also being more widely reliable, thanks to his work on his physical well-being.

There was no reason for him to be at the training ground, even if he had pain in his adductor. It was completely his choice to work with the medical staff and ensure that he is getting back to his best condition as soon as possible.

A Leao of sacrifice

It is not just at Milanello where he has made the sacrifice, though. In his mind, it is ‘Milan above everything’ and this can be seen on the pitch, too, where he has taken the role of being a centre forward in his stride.

Whilst he has put his own spin on the role, adding some creative flair to things, he makes No.9-like moves, which have even impressed Allegri, who has worked with some of the best strikers of recent years.

The dedication and sacrifice have been worthwhile too, with him scoring seven in 15 Serie A games – his most prolific campaign to date, even with his injury problems.