Ibrahimovic believes Leao is in a ‘good moment’ but ‘doesn’t know how strong he is’

Ahead of AC Milan-Juventus, Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke to the media about Rafael Leao’s importance and his growth so far.

It has truly been an up-and-down season for Milan so far. The Rossoneri have shown promise in some big games – Real Madrid and Inter – whilst also failing to perform in others – Liverpool, Leverkusen, and Napoli.

Unfortunately, the same can be said for many of their big players, and Leao is, perhaps, the pinnacle of this. Against Real, he was back to his best, a shining light in a fantastic squad performance, but this has not been the case often enough.

In recent weeks, he has addressed the issues whilst also stating that they are in the past, a positive sign. However, words mean little without follow-up actions. The winger is showing a difference, though, and for Portugal, he looked spectacular in their opening game of the international break.

It is a performance that needs to be replicated as the Diavolo look to claw their way back into the Scudetto race.

Before the game, Ibrahimovic spoke about Leao’s rise in Milan and named him one of the world’s best to DAZN (via Milan News).

On Rafael Leao…

“I have always been proud of Leao: I met him when he was still a boy and now he has grown up, more adult and mature. Now he is a footballer before he was a potential talent. There are moments for everyone, when it goes well and when it goes less well.

“Now he is going through a good moment: we are behind him, we help him and motivate him to always do well. As a footballer he has to make a difference, he is one of the strongest in the world. He has proved it and it shows.”

Does he have the fire inside Leao, the ambition to always want more?

“In my opinion, Leao doesn’t know how strong he is: when he realises that, it will all come out. He has this pressure because he is one of the strongest of all, otherwise there would be no talking. What do I tell him? It’s a balance, if you tell a person every day that he is the strongest it may be that he relaxes: it depends on the character of the player and who he is.

“In my case, I didn’t need anyone. Even he with experience has to switch on.”

On Morata…

“Morata took a blow to the head and missed Cagliari. Then he played a bit in the national team and trained with the team.

“We are very satisfied: we knew what he brings and what he brought. A collective player, who doesn’t score 50 goals a year: but he helps his teammates and is a leader who helps the team.”