Rafael Leao is discussing a contract extension at Milan, but Giancarlo Marocchi explains what tactical tweak will ensure ‘they can double or even triple the marking, it won’t stop him.’
The Portuguese talent has six goals and five assists in 21 games this season between Serie A and the Champions League.
He has also played in a variety of roles, largely on the left side of a supporting trio behind the centre-forward, although he has also filled in for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud upfront during injury spells.
“Leao just needs to improve in his consistency, but there is also a tactical issue,” Sky Sport Italia pundit Marocchi explained.
“When preparing the game, you need to isolate him with 30 metres of pitch between him and the goal. At that point, they can double up or even triple the marking, it won’t stop him doing incredible things.
“He is also really in sync with Theo Hernandez, who can arrive and set it up for him to let loose down the left.”
Leao’s greatest strength is his pace and the way he can suddenly turn on the afterburners to leave defenders in his wake.
During the game against Bologna in October 2021, Leao was clocked at a speed of 33.76km/h (roughly 20 mph).
The 22-year-old is under contract until June 2024, but Milan director Paolo Maldini confirmed the club was in talks to extend his current deal.
Marocchi su Leao: “Bisogna isolarlo con 30 metri di campo tra lui e la porta” https://t.co/LlFYoemjAJ
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That works against a pressing team but how many teams press high when they play Milan? It would be ideal to give him space in behind but most sides will sit back.
@DB Milan
He just means that Leao needs to start matches around 30 meters away from the goal, in a deeper position, so doesn’t matter if the opponent is pressing or sitting back. If he has room to move around and do his thing (dribbles and fast starts) he will probably do the damage anyway. But if he plays higher up the pitch (like in the striker position) it doesn’t really suit him because he becomes limited, and he’s right. He needs to run at defenders, not run behind them for through balls.
Fair point but I can’t see many sides giving him room to do that either. I know himself and Theo work well together so they can maybe create more on that side between them.
Yes but they can’t give both of them room, they have to pick one when they come through the line with or without the ball.
They play deep have Leao post up with the ball and have Theo run at them. Lots of options.