GdS: ‘Leao, be a star’ – Milan need attacking leader to be better in Europe

Rafael Leao remains at the centre of attention, and this morning the Italian media are asking for him to step up against Red Star.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write, Leao is Milan’s ‘cover man’ but far too much time has passed since his last Champions League goal at San Siro. It happened more than a year ago, on 7 November 2023, an acrobatic equaliser against PSG.

Leao must finally become no longer just the talented No.10, a genius who appears and disappears, but rather a leader for the team, someone who is regularly decisive with goals and assists, and a player who sacrifices himself for his team-mates. Only in this way will Rafa be a star among stars.

He will also have to do it tonight because he will be the player with the most quality in the team. With Christian Pulisic injured, the attacking actions will increasingly shift to his side, especially if Yunus Musah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek join him in the attacking trident.

There is one aspect that comforts Paulo Fonseca and the Milan fans: for a few weeks, ever since he emerged reinvigorated from the coach’s treatment, Rafa has actually been more involved. He supports the defensive phase with a few more retreats, and seems to demand more from himself.

Leao must continue to be decisive: the fans expect him to be a protagonist, not a simple supporting actor. This is also because his Champions League numbers are still far from elite, with four goals in 25 games.

Milan will celebrate 125 years of history in a few days. To earn the title of iconic player of a legendary club Leao must do more, and helping the team reach their first European goal with a goal would already be something.

With a victory over Red Star, Milan would be certain of at least accessing the Champions League play-offs. Leao’s accounts also need to be updated: he has never scored more than one goal this season in the Champions League.

He scored one in the 2021-22 capaign against Atletico Madrid, another in the 2022-23 season against Dinamo Zagreb, a third last year against PSG and then one against Slovan Bratislava. Red Star’s defence offers him the opportunity, now he must take it.