'Leao is one of the best in the world'
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 16.11.24. | 21:15
While under harsh criticism at AC Milan because of his poor displays and quarrels with the boss Fonseca, for Portugal's manager, Roberto Martinez, Rafael Leao is one of the best one-on-one players
Despite being highlighted as the second favourite for the Scudetto, AC Milan opened the season pretty poorly as the Rossoneri trail as many as eight points behind the leaders Napoli, while the situation in the Champions League is not much better, given that they noted two defeats in four rounds and currently sit in the 20th spot.
And when a team suffers like that, the first ones to blame are usually the manager and the best player. Paulo Fonseca received his share of criticism - even his job was allegedly jeopardized at one point - and the same awaited Rafael Leao.
The Portuguese seemed disheartened, disconnected from the rest of the team, and, on top of everything, fell out with his fellow countryman on the bench, which caused him to be punished and miss the Serie A duel against Udinese. Yet, things seem to have changed lately, as Leao recorded two goals and as many assists in the last two games with Milan, only to shine once again last night in Portugal's thrashing 5-1 triumph over Poland, where he scored an opener.
Rafael Leão vs Poland @RafaeLeao7
— sZ- (@szniic) November 15, 2024
Another goal. ⚽️
pic.twitter.com/lkr7etcbPz
And while the winger admitted at the pre-match press conference ahead of last night's clash that "criticisms don't shake him," but moreover "motivate him to grow on the pitch even more," his national team manager, Roberto Martinez spared no praise for him and his abilities.
"All the great players are scrutinized. Rafael Leao grew a lot at the EUROs, he had a great match against France and I think this game was the one that he's grown the most. Today he showed who he is, one of the best players in the world one-on-one and when it comes to exploiting spaces. There are not many players in the world who could create that opportunity for the first goal," Martinez claimed after the game, reported by Milannews.it.
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Martinez's words, as well as Leao's recent performances, will undoubtedly boost his confidence, which could benefit both Milan and Portugal. However, they could also boost his ego, and everyone saw what that looked like during his "crisis phase" this season.
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE - GROUP STAGE
Division A
Thursday
Belgium - Italy 0-1 (0-1)
/Tonali 11/
France - Israel 0-0
Friday
Denmark - Spain 1-2 (0-1)
/Isaksen 84 - Oyarzabal 15, Perez 58/
Portugal - Poland 5-1 (0-0)
/Leao 59, Cristiano 72 pen, 87, Bruno 80, Neto 83 - Marczuk 88/
Scotland - Croatia 1-0 (0-0)
/McGinn 86/
Switzerland - Serbia 1-1 (0-0)
/Amdouni 78 - Terzic 88/
Saturday
22.45: (1.15) Germany (8.00) B&H (16.0)
22.45: (1.40) Netherlands (4.70) Hungary (8.00)
Sunday
22.45: (3.40) Italy (3.35) France (2.30)
Division B
Thursday
Kazakhstan - Austria 0-2 (0-2)
/Baumgartner 15, Gregoritsch 25/
Greece - England 0-3 (0-1)
/Watkins 7, Vlachodimos 78 og, Jones 83/
R.Ireland - Finland 1-0 (1-0)
/Ferguson 45/
Slovenia - Norway 1-4 (1-2)
/Sesko 21 pen - Nusa 4, 59, Haaland 45, Hauge 82/
Saturday
Georgia - Ukraine 1-1 (0-1)
/Mikautadze 76 - Kvirkvelia 7 og/
Montenegro - Iceland 0-2 (0-0)
/Oskarsson 74, Johanesson 89/
Turkey - Wales 0-0
22.45: (3.20) Albania (3.30) Czech R. (2.30)
Sunday
20.00: (1.22) England (6.25) R.Ireland (14.0)
***odds are subject to change***
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