Rafael Leao: AC Milan has a world-class talent on their hands, for now…
Rafael Leao: AC Milan has a world-class talent on their hands, for now…
Despite the disgraceful racist epithets and intimidation tactics used by Napoli’s ‘fans’ as he strolled onto the team bus, Rafael Leao was cool personified. With his headphones on, possibly listening to one of his own tracks, Leao ignored the AC Milan coffin by the side of the coach and focused on his own goal; burying Napoli.
Napoli vs. AC Milan was a vintage Champions League clash. Two Italian sides fighting for their lives with Milan aiming for their first Champions League semi-final in 17 years, and Napoli pushing for their first ever. The most exciting battle came from the wing. AC’s Rafael Leao and Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratshkelia going blow-for-blow, humiliating their respective opponents and demonstrating to the footballing world just why everyone is talking about them.
‘Kvaradona’ has been the most exciting player in Serie A this season and is deservedly poised to take Leao’s MVP crown away from him in a few weeks having catapulted Napoli to the summit of Serie A. He has 14 goals and assists apiece this season and has set the league alight with his mazy dribbling. Yet, it was Leao and AC Milan who prevailed in this duel.
Leao provided the killer blow. Picking up on a loose ball deep in his own half, Leao exploded past Tanguy Ndombele and set off on a slaloming run, beating three men and faking out goalkeeper Alex Meret before providing Olivier Giroud with an offer that he just could not refuse; an open goal. The Frenchman kindly accepted and Milan put Napoli to the sword.
Imagine if this had gone in… 😱#UCL pic.twitter.com/J9hRiPswlF
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 15, 2023
This wasn’t the first time that Napoli has felt the wrath of the Portuguese striker this year. Just two weeks ago, Leao scored twice in Naples as Milan thrashed the league leaders 4-0. Last week in Milan, Leao gave a sneak-peak of what was to come with some sensational dribbling and lively link-up play. Once again last night, Leao was the difference maker. He’s quickly becoming Napoli’s kryptonite.
Leao has been devastating all season. In the Champions League, he has constantly tormented defenders, averaging 3.7 successful dribbles per game, the third highest in the competition. In Serie A, he’s one of the most dangerous players in the league. With ten goals and six assists to his name already with eight games remaining, Leao is enjoying an exceptional season.
Inevitably, as with all players who enjoy exceptional seasons outside of England, Premier League has started to sniff around, especially given that Leao now has one year remaining on his contract. Chelsea made a bid last summer but it was swiftly rejected.
This summer, the situation is slightly different. AC Milan could cash in on a golden ticket right now, or they could enjoy one more year with Leao and risk losing him for free, should he decide not to sign a new contract with I Rossoneri. With Manchester United in need of attacking reinforcements, Chelsea constantly searching around the market, and Arsenal looking to bolster their squad to continue competing for titles, expect Leao to be subject to a bidding war this summer.
What is for sure is that right now, he belongs to AC Milan and with the Rossoneri seeking their first Champions League title since 2007, Leao will be a pivotal part of whatever success they have.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
