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Rafael Leao is probably still a winger to most, but the AC Milan star has broadened his horizons, thanks to Massimiliano Allegri.
When he joined the club in the summer, it was clear that Allegri had a plan for Leao. He wanted him to be central to the team, not just in terms of inspiration and leadership, but also literally; he wanted a No.9 version of the Portuguese.
So far, the move has been difficult due to injuries. However, the path forward is clear, and the route so far only shows how much he has already developed.
Five signs from Leao
As Gazzetta dello Sport writes, there are five new parts to Leao’s game, where he can be identified as a striker.
Firstly, he now has the movements of a typical No.9. In the past, he has been a player to drive with the ball, and whilst that is still the case on occasions, he is slightly more ‘robust’ now. He sprints much less, instead focusing on the actual movements.
Considering his injury, the lack of sprints does make sense. However, if he can add this to his game, as well as the movement he is showing, he could be unstoppable.
Tied into that point is the fact that Leao has scored two headers this season, which is a first for his time in Italy. It goes down to instinct, and that is also becoming more striker-like, and this is the reason he has also grown to be more comfortable shooting with his left foot, as he did against Cagliari.
The final two points refer more to the work of a double-striker system, where Leao can combine the positioning of a striker with the creativity of a wide player. Against Como, he made a fantastic assist for Adrien Rabiot, whilst he could’ve had another against Lecce, had Christian Pulisic not missed.
Him providing in central areas proves that he can also play off of another option, and with Allegri seemingly infatuated by the 3-5-2, this is only a benefit.
His transformation is not done yet; there is still a way to go. However, the initial signs are only positive.
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