Former Real Madrid striker Jorge Valdano believes Portugal’s quality is mirrored by how they’ve been using Rafael Leao in Qatar: ‘Like he was an average player.’
Fernando Santo’s side have reached the quarter-finals in Qatar and will be facing Morocco, the biggest surprise at the World Cup this year, on Saturday at 15.00 GMT.
Milan star Rafael Leao has never started a game at the World Cup, but scored two goals as a substitute, first against Ghana and then against Switzerland.
“Portugal have quality in every area of the pitch. Imagine not using Leao, like he was an average player,” Valdano, a former Real Madrid striker and director, told Gazzetta.
“Morocco have no pressure, they have already made history, so they are very dangerous, while it remains to be seen how Portugal will manage Cristiano Ronaldo’s issues.”
Leao, 23, has scored seven goals and delivered nine assists in 20 appearances for Milan across all competitions this season.
His contract at San Siro expires in June 2024 and the Rossoneri will soon sit down with his representatives hoping to finalise a new deal.
The Portugal international joined the Serie A giants from Lille in a €30m deal in 2019 and has a €150m clause included in his contract with the Diavoli.