In today’s era of football, with its rigorous tactical discipline, reliance on statistics, and constant analysis of speed, distance covered, sprints, chances created, expected goals, and countless other metrics, the freedom of the game has become limited. Many players are content in such a structured system, blending in and playing at their maximum within their defined roles.Yet, some players feel trapped in such systems, weighed down by constant instructions and obligations. Misunderstood, restricted, uninspired…Leao up for sale as early as January!Rafael Leão has been this way for Milan fans for some time. They groan when, instead of a fierce presence on the pitch, they see a disengaged ghost who neither excites nor disappoints, barely making an effort to help defensively and only exerting 30% of his strength against players he used to devour. The Rossoneri fans have long been frustrated with Rafa, even booing him, because they know what he’s capable of. Just two and a half years ago, he was a key figure in their title run, tearing through defenses in Italy.At the start of this season, Leão seemed like a player Milan fans would rather see gone than a force capable of gliding past defenders with giant strides. But that changed with Milan’s visit to the Santiago Bernabéu two nights ago. In the heart of Madrid, it was clear that when inspired, Rafa can transform Milan. He turned an underdog into the executioner of the European champions without even playing a perfect game.champions league nights 🌈@acmilan pic.twitter.com/6APOm1sMzH— Rafael Leão (@RafaeLeao7) November 5, 2024 He missed several promising chances that he would have likely converted back in the 2021/22 season. Still, he played a significant role in all three Milan goals. Before the first goal, he won a corner, his spinning shot forced Lunin into a rebound for Morata’s finish on the second, and for the third, with a smile on his face, he surged past Lucas Vázquez and set up Tijjani Reijnders to seal one of Milan’s biggest wins in years.Milan fans felt a surge of nostalgia at the Bernabéu. They were reminded of their team’s potential when lightning strikes down the left with the Theo-Rafa duo. Hernández will have to wait for his hero moment, but every ball sent toward him or Leão in the opponent’s final third carried the scent of a goal-scoring chance.So why does Milan struggle in Serie A? Why couldn’t they put up a stronger fight against Liverpool at San Siro, or why were they defeated by Leverkusen in Germany, or, despite the win, looked unimpressive against Club Brugge? The answer likely lies in the mindsets of the players tasked with carrying Milan’s attack, along with the brilliant Reijnders. Too often, the team suffers from their lack of focus and carefree approach to defensive responsibilities… But when everything clicks, Milan’s football becomes an explosive energy, like a hard rock concert.##NAJAVA_MECA_8477382##Artists are a stubborn breed. When they give their all, delight the crowd, and stimulate every sense, they often think that’s enough and coast until the next crescendo, the next big show. This is a major reason why Leão is never put in the same league as Vinícius Júnior, despite the fact that, as was evident last night, his footballing ability is on par.“Today’s football is all about statistics, and I don’t like that. Football is magic and joy. People who only think about numbers make me angry. I need to have fun so that others can have fun,” Leão said less than a month ago.He doesn’t want to be shackled by numbers, systems, or the game’s current trends, which has likely caused him more harm than good. But then, the European audience might label him a showman, strolling through the Bernabéu like he’s on a tightrope, suddenly making everyone eager to buy a ticket to the show or watch it unfold on the screen.Rafael Leão is the only player to complete 20 take-ons in the Champions League this season. ⚡#UCL pic.twitter.com/t1JWWCG7vu— Squawka (@Squawka) November 7, 2024 Paolo Fonseca left Leão out of the starting lineup for three consecutive games. When journalists questioned this decision after the Monza match, the Portuguese coach explained that Leão was simply an “option,” the same as Yunus Musah or Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Yet last night, before what would turn into his greatest victory with the Rossoneri, Fonseca stated, “Rafa will start, and I expect him to be the decisive man. There’s been a lot of talk about him, but I know what matters for me and my team.”What a shock! Ancelotti gets taught by his old side in all-time UCL classicFonseca’s strategy may have worked in the short term, but Milan needs a healthy Leão for the long haul.“Leão doesn’t need revenge; he’s a top-level player, clearly the strongest among us. I hope this is just the first of many great nights. He’s made for these games, for this competition, and he can write history. Where can I sign to make this Rafa’s night? If he has his night, it’ll be Milan’s night, a night for all of us,” Alvaro Morata said after the game at the Bernabéu.It’s clear how the team feels about Rafa. Now it’s time for him to finally give them his full potential, to become Milan’s alpha.
